Auditory Alterations in Children Infected by Human Immunodeficiency Virus Verified Through Auditory Processing Test

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Audiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Children with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are susceptible to auditory system deficits, including middle ear problems leading to hearing loss.
• Antiretroviral therapy is standard care for HIV-positive children, but its impact on auditory processing requires further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize auditory processing development in children with HIV using the Simplified Auditory Processing Test (SAPT) and the Staggered Spondaic Word Test (SSW).

Main Methods:

• Behavioral auditory tests were conducted, including the SAPT and the Portuguese version of the SSW.
• Fifteen children infected with HIV, all on antiretroviral medication, participated in the study.

Main Results:

• Abnormal auditory processing was identified in children with HIV via both SAPT and SSW.
• 60% of children showed hearing impairment on the SAPT, with 53.33% making errors in verbal sound memory.
• 86.67% of children exhibited deficits in figure-ground, attention, and auditory memory skills on the SSW, with increased errors in background noise.

Conclusions:

• The high incidence of hearing loss in children with HIV necessitates increased awareness among families and professionals regarding auditory impacts on development and learning.
• Early access to educational plans and multidisciplinary follow-up is vital to mitigate the effects of auditory deficits in children with HIV.