COVID-19 during pregnancy and its impact on the developing auditory system

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Auditory Neurophysiology
• Maternal-Fetal Health
• Infectious Disease Impact on Development

Background:

• Investigating the effects of maternal COVID-19 infection during pregnancy on infant auditory system development.
• Comparing auditory pathway function in infants exposed to COVID-19 in utero versus a control group.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare cochlear and auditory brainstem function in infants based on maternal COVID-19 status during pregnancy.
• To determine if prenatal COVID-19 exposure impacts specific auditory pathway measures.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of auditory assessments in infants (n=15 COVID-19 group, n=46 control group).
• Evaluation of distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABRs).
• Analysis of DPOAE amplitudes, ABR wave latencies (I, III, V), and I-V interpeak intervals.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in DPOAE amplitudes or Wave I latency between groups.
• Significant prolongation of ABR absolute latencies for Waves III and V in the COVID-19 group compared to controls.
• Extended I-V interpeak intervals observed in infants of mothers with COVID-19.

Conclusions:

• Maternal COVID-19 during pregnancy may not impair cochlear function, as indicated by normal DPOAEs.
• Prenatal exposure to COVID-19 may affect the maturation and function of the auditory brainstem.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term implications of these findings.