Study of the Effect of Minimal Sensorineural Hearing Loss on the Central Auditory Processing in Children: A Pilot
Rodaina Nawaf Mehrez1, Samer Mohamad Mohsen2,3
1Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Damascus University, Qudsayya Sub., Damascus, Syria.
Insights
Minimal hearing loss in children significantly increases the risk of central auditory processing disorders. This finding highlights the importance of early detection and intervention for children with even slight hearing impairments.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Hearing loss negatively impacts children's auditory, academic, and social development.
- Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD) present challenges in understanding speech and processing auditory information.
- Minimal hearing loss, often overlooked, may contribute to developmental issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between minimal hearing loss (sensorineural or conductive) and CAPD in children.
- To compare the prevalence of CAPD in children with minimal hearing loss versus those with normal hearing.
- To identify minimal hearing loss as a potential risk factor for CAPD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 159 children (6-7 years) with minimal hearing loss (sensorineural or otitis media with effusion) and 155 children with normal hearing.
- Children's Auditory Performance Scale (C.H.A.P.S) was used for assessment.
- Comparison of C.H.A.P.S scores between the hearing loss and normal hearing groups.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference (P value = 0.000 < 0.05) was observed in C.H.A.P.S scores between the groups.
- Children with minimal hearing loss exhibited higher C.H.A.P.S scores, indicating a greater likelihood of CAPD.
- All sub-scales of the C.H.A.P.S scale showed significant differences, suggesting a widespread impact.
Conclusions:
- Minimal hearing loss in children is a significant predisposing factor for developing central auditory processing disorders.
- Early identification and management of minimal hearing loss are crucial for preventing CAPD.
- This study underscores the need for audiological screening in pediatric populations to address potential developmental impacts.
Abstract:
Hearing loss is a main cause of poor auditory, academic, and social performance especially in children. This study aimed to find out the relationship between minimal hearing loss (sensorineural or conductive) and the central auditory processing disorders in children. A cross-sectional study was conducted to compare the probability of having central auditory processing disorder in 159 children diagnosed with minimal sensorineural hearing loss and hearing loss caused by otitis media with effusion aged (6-7 years old) in 4 primary schools in Damascus Syria, and 155 children with normal hearing of the same age group using the children's auditory performance scale (C.H.A.P.S). A remarkable statistical difference was found between the two groups with higher scores of C.H.A.P.S scale in the minimal hearing loss group (P value = 0.000 < 0.05). The difference involved all the sub-scales of the C.H.A.P.S scale, which indicates that minimal hearing loss in children can be considered as one important predisposing factor for central auditory processing disorders.
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