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Congenital Hypothyroidism and the Deleterious Effects on Auditory Function and Language Skills: A Narrative Review

Caio Leônidas Oliveira Andrade1, Crésio de Aragão Dantas Alves2, Helton Estrela Ramos3,4,5

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, University of the State of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.

Frontiers in Endocrinology
|August 27, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) can cause hearing loss in newborns because thyroid hormones (THs) are vital for auditory development. Early diagnosis and treatment of CH are crucial to prevent developmental impairments in children.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Biology
  • Audiology

Background:

  • Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a condition where newborns have insufficient thyroid hormones (THs).
  • THs are critical for fetal and infant development, including the auditory system.
  • Hearing impairment in early childhood can negatively impact language, cognitive, and psychosocial development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical and molecular links between congenital hypothyroidism and hearing loss.
  • To highlight the importance of THs in auditory pathway development.
  • To underscore the consequences of untreated CH on child development.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on congenital hypothyroidism and hearing loss.
  • Analysis of clinical manifestations and molecular mechanisms.
  • Synthesis of information on the role of thyroid hormones in auditory development.

Main Results:

  • Congenital hypothyroidism is associated with an increased risk of hearing problems in newborns.
  • Thyroid hormones are essential for the proper development and maturation of the auditory pathway.
  • Hearing deficits resulting from CH can lead to significant developmental delays.

Conclusions:

  • There is a clear link between congenital hypothyroidism and hearing loss.
  • Early detection and management of CH are critical to mitigate hearing impairment and associated developmental issues.
  • Further research into the molecular mechanisms can improve therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:
auditory systemcongenital hypothyroidismhearing losshypothyroidismthyroid

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