Central auditory processing in children with sickle cell disease

The complexity of sickle cell disease (SCD) goes beyond hematological manifestations, affecting different organs and systems, including auditory system. We aimed to assess Central Auditory Processing (CAP) abilities in children with SCD as well as to detect risk factors for Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) in children with SCD. A diagnostic observational cross sectional study that included thirty-three patients aged 6-16 years with a confirmed diagnosis of SCD. Demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics were collected. Audiological testing included tympanometry, pure tone audiometry, IQ testing, specific history for CAP abilities and APD screening test battery. Among the 33 screened patients, all had normal pure tone audiometry, and 2 patients had middle ear affection. Auditory Perception was assessed in 25 eligible participants. The majority of the studied patients (n = 21, 84%) APD. The most affected tests were patterning (n = 21, 84%) and auditory memory (n = 16, 64%). Results showed positive correlation between age of transfusion and dichotic listening, APD was commonly encountered in children with SCD, thus screening for APD is recommended in all patients with SCD for early detection and intervention of any abnormalities.