Peripheral and Central Auditory Abilities in Children with Mild Protein-Energy Malnutrition
Chandni Jain1, Saransh Jain2, K B Chetak3
1Department of Audiology, All India Institute of Speech and Hearing, Mysuru, 570006 India.
Insights
Mild Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) in children impacts central auditory processing, specifically affecting binaural interaction, auditory closure, and working memory. This highlights the need for early detection and intervention in affected populations.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a global health issue impacting child development.
- While severe PEM is linked to hearing loss, mild PEM's auditory effects are less understood.
- Auditory processing is crucial for language, learning, and social interaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of mild PEM on peripheral and central auditory processing in children.
- To identify specific auditory deficits associated with mild PEM.
- To inform targeted interventions for children with malnutrition.
Main Methods:
- 108 children (7-14 years) were assessed, divided into control and mild-PEM groups.
- Peripheral auditory function was evaluated using pure tone, speech, and immittance audiometry.
- Central auditory processing was assessed through tests of binaural interaction, integration, closure, temporal processing, and auditory working memory.
Main Results:
- Mild PEM did not significantly impair peripheral hearing sensitivity.
- Significant deficits were observed in central auditory processing for children with mild PEM.
- Poorer performance in mild-PEM group noted for binaural interaction, auditory closure, and auditory working memory.
Conclusions:
- Mild PEM affects central auditory processing, not peripheral hearing.
- Auditory deficits in children with PEM require targeted interventions.
- Addressing malnutrition's impact on auditory function supports holistic child development, especially in resource-limited settings.
Abstract:
Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM) is a significant health concern affecting physical, sensory, and cognitive development. While moderate or severe PEM is associated with hearing loss, the effects of mild PEM remain understudied. We investigated the impact of mild PEM on peripheral and central auditory processing in children. 108 children aged 7-14 were divided into control and mild-PEM groups. Auditory tests included pure tone-, speech-, immittance-audiometry for peripheral hearing, and tests for binaural interaction, integration, auditory closure, temporal processing, and auditory working memory for central auditory processing. Mild-PEM did not significantly affect peripheral hearing sensitivity, but significant differences in central auditory processing were observed between groups. Children with PEM performed poorer in binaural interaction, auditory closure, and auditory working memory tasks. This study highlights the importance of investigating malnutrition's impact on auditory function. Identifying specific auditory deficits associated with PEM can inform targeted interventions for holistic development in resource-limited settings.
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