Audiological findings in children aged 2-6 years with isolated speech-language delay

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of hearing loss (HL) among preschoolers with speech-language delay who had passed the universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS).

This retrospective study included children aged 2-6 years with isolated speech-language delay who were referred to a third-level audiological center for a comprehensive audiological assessment, including otomicroscopy, tympanometry, and click-evoked auditory brainstem responses.

A total of 375 speech-language delayed children (285 male and 90 female) were assessed. The mean age was 41±12.4 months. Overall, 133 children (35.5%) were diagnosed with HL: 16 children (12.0%) had sensorineural HL (six unilaterally and 10 bilaterally), six (4.5%) had mixed HL (one unilaterally and five bilaterally), and 111 (83.5%) had conductive HL (19 unilaterally and 92 bilaterally). Regarding the presence of HL, no significant differences were found between males and females (P=0.60) or age groups (P=0.29). Among children with HL, 24 (18.0%) underwent tympanostomy tube placement (all bilaterally), one (0.8%) underwent unilateral cochlear implantation, eight (6.0%) were fitted with hearing aids (one unilaterally and seven bilaterally), two (1.5%) received a bimodal hearing solution (a cochlear implant on one ear and a hearing aid on the other ear), and 98 (73.7%) received no treatment.

Although UNHS and audiological surveillance programs have been implemented over the years, all children with speech-language delay should undergo audiological evaluation. Indeed, the prevalence of undetected HL is not negligible among preschoolers with speech-language delay and requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment.