Auditory brainstem response audiometry in congenitally hypothyroid children under early replacement therapy

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Endocrinology
• Neuroscience
• Audiology

Background:

• Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a condition requiring lifelong thyroid hormone replacement.
• Auditory function in children with CH, even when treated, requires thorough investigation.
• Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in auditory system development and function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate auditory pathway function in children with CH using auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry.
• To identify the incidence and nature of ABR abnormalities in treated CH patients.
• To explore potential correlations between ABR findings and treatment parameters.

Main Methods:

• Auditory brainstem response (ABR) audiometry was performed on 34 children with CH (ages 5-12) undergoing thyroid hormone therapy.
• A control group of 24 age- and sex-matched children was included for comparison.
• ABR parameters, including wave I latencies and I-V interpeak latencies, were analyzed.

Main Results:

• 20% of CH children exhibited prolonged wave I latencies, suggesting peripheral auditory impairment.
• 10 CH children (29%) showed shortened I-V interpeak latencies, indicating central auditory pathway alterations.
• No significant correlation was found between ABR abnormalities and L-thyroxine levels, bone age, or developmental quotients.

Conclusions:

• Treated children with congenital hypothyroidism demonstrate a notable prevalence of auditory brainstem response abnormalities.
• These findings highlight the potential for subclinical auditory pathway dysfunction in CH, even with treatment.
• Further research is warranted to understand the long-term implications and underlying mechanisms of these auditory changes.