Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2025
Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published on: April 22, 2015
Autism and central and peripheral hearing loss: A systematic review
Miguel Caballero-Borrego1, Aina Valverde-Domínguez2, Marta Sandoval3
1Otolaryngology Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Cirurgia i Especialitats Mèdicoquirúrgiques, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Universitat de Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques Agusti Pi Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Spain.
Background And Objective:
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have an increased risk of developing both peripheral and central hearing loss. This study conducts a systematic review of the literature to determine their relationship.
Material And Method:
A systematic search of the PubMed and Web of Science databases was conducted for studies evaluating the potential association between autism and hearing loss. The initial search identified 840 studies. After applying the inclusion criteria, 21 studies were analysed.
Results:
Seventeen studies found a predisposition to developing either central or peripheral hearing loss. Autistic children were also found to have an increased incidence of ear infections. In children with both autism and hearing loss, delays in diagnosis of either condition were observed due to overlapping clinical presentations.
Conclusion:
Children with autism may have a higher risk for hearing impairment. Hearing tests are recommended to avoid delays in diagnosis and to provide the best therapeutic options.
