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Protein energy malnutrition associates with different types of hearing impairments in toddlers: Anemia increases

Terez Boshra Kamel1, Tharwat Ezzat Deraz1, Rasha H Elkabarity2

  • 1Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|June 1, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) in toddlers is linked to various hearing impairments, including conductive and sensorineural types. Early detection using neuro-physiological methods is crucial, as anemia exacerbates auditory dysfunction risk.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Audiology
  • Nutritional Neuroscience
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Protein energy malnutrition (PEM) poses neuro-cognitive risks to developing brains in toddlers.
  • Early detection of hearing impairment in toddlers with PEM is a significant clinical challenge.
  • PEM's impact on auditory function and its relation to hemoglobin levels require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and types of hearing impairment in toddlers with moderate/severe PEM.
  • To explore the neuro-cognitive effects of PEM on auditory function.
  • To assess the correlation between hemoglobin levels and auditory dysfunction in toddlers.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 100 toddlers (6-24 months), with 50 having moderate/severe PEM and 50 healthy controls.
  • Auditory function assessed using Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing.
  • Tympanometry was employed to evaluate middle ear function and identify otitis media with effusion.

Main Results:

  • Significant association found between malnutrition and hearing impairment in toddlers.
  • 26% of PEM cases exhibited conductive deafness due to otitis media with effusion.
  • ABR revealed mild to profound hearing impairments in 46-53% of PEM cases, with 32% showing sensorineural hearing loss and 10% mixed hearing loss. TEOAEs latencies negatively correlated with hemoglobin levels.

Conclusions:

  • Toddlers with moderate/severe PEM experience diverse hearing impairments.
  • Neuro-physiological methods are effective for early detection of auditory disorders in high-risk toddlers.
  • Anemia is identified as a risk factor for auditory dysfunction in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
AnemiaAuditory brainstem evoked responses (ABR)Hearing lossInfantsOtoacoustic emissions (OAEs)Protein energy malnutrition (PEM)

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