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More than pain: Speech, language, neurocognitive, and hearing issues among children with sickle cell disease

Candice J Adams-Mitchell1, Charles Ellis2

  • 1Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.

Journal of the National Medical Association
|September 9, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often experience speech, language, and hearing issues. Early developmental and regular re-evaluations by speech-language pathologists and audiologists are crucial for effective SCD management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Communication Sciences

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a prevalent inherited blood disorder, primarily affecting African Americans.
  • While chronic pain is a hallmark of SCD, developmental issues in speech, language, neurocognition, and hearing are frequently overlooked.
  • These overlooked challenges can significantly impact a child's overall development and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore communication-related challenges in children with SCD.
  • To highlight the role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and audiologists (AUDs) in SCD care.
  • To advocate for integrating communication and hearing assessments into standard SCD management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of current research on SCD and developmental outcomes.
  • Analysis of the scope of practice for SLPs and AUDs in relation to SCD-related deficits.
  • Development of recommendations for comprehensive evaluation and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Children with SCD commonly exhibit speech, language, neurocognitive, and hearing difficulties.
  • These challenges can manifest across various developmental stages, from early childhood through adolescence.
  • Current SCD management paradigms often do not adequately address these communication-related needs.

Conclusions:

  • Speech, language, and hearing impairments are significant comorbidities in children with SCD.
  • Early and ongoing developmental assessments by SLPs and AUDs are essential for comprehensive SCD care.
  • Integrating these specialized evaluations can mitigate long-term impacts and improve patient outcomes.
Abstract

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