CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM AS A RISK FACTOR FOR CENTRAL HEARING PROCESS DISORDERS

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Audiology
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

• Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a condition present at birth that can affect development.
• Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) involves difficulties in how the brain processes auditory information.
• The relationship between CH and CAPD symptoms requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of central auditory processing disorder symptoms in children diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism.
• To identify specific CAPD-related cognitive function deficits in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

• An exploratory, descriptive, cross-sectional study involving 112 pediatric patients (≥5 years) with CH.
• Parent/caregiver interviews using a structured anamnesis protocol to assess auditory processing.
• Exclusion of patients with co-occurring medical conditions; chi-square test for statistical analysis.

Main Results:

• A high frequency of CAPD symptoms was observed, particularly in cognitive functions related to hearing.
• Specific deficits included figure-background ability (83.0%), auditory attention (75.9%), and auditory memory (33.0%).
• School performance complaints were reported in 62.3% of children with CH.

Conclusions:

• Children with congenital hypothyroidism demonstrate a significant prevalence of central auditory processing deficits.
• Auditory attention, figure-background ability, and auditory memory are particularly affected cognitive functions.
• These findings highlight the need for audiological screening and support for children with CH.