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Published on: January 29, 2014
Central auditory processing in children with sickle cell disease
Heba G A Ali1, Mohamed A ElLaboudy1, Fatma Soliman Elsayed Ebeid1,2
1Pediatric Hematology Oncology and BMT Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Insights
Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) often experience auditory processing disorders (APD), particularly affecting auditory memory and patterning. Early screening for APD in SCD patients is crucial for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents complex, multi-systemic challenges beyond hematological issues.
- The auditory system is frequently affected in children with SCD, necessitating investigation into Central Auditory Processing (CAP).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Central Auditory Processing (CAP) abilities in pediatric SCD patients.
- To identify risk factors associated with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) in children with SCD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 33 children (aged 6-16) diagnosed with SCD.
- Comprehensive audiological assessments including pure tone audiometry, IQ testing, CAP abilities evaluation, and APD screening.
- Analysis of demographic, clinical, and laboratory data.
Main Results:
- All participants had normal pure tone audiometry; 2 had middle ear issues.
- 84% of assessed children (n=21) exhibited Auditory Processing Disorders (APD).
- Auditory memory (64%) and patterning (84%) were the most impacted CAP skills. A correlation was found between transfusion age and dichotic listening.
Conclusions:
- Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) are prevalent in children with SCD.
- Routine screening for APD is recommended for early detection and management in pediatric SCD patients.
- Intervention strategies should address deficits in auditory memory and patterning.
Abstract:
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.
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