[Hearing changes in patients with cleft lip and palate: clinico-statistical contribution]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Pediatrics
• Genetics

Background:

• Cleft lip and palate can affect velopharyngeal function, leading to middle ear and Eustachian tube dysfunction.
• Otological complications are common in children with cleft palate, impacting hearing and development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of hearing impairment and middle ear abnormalities in children with cleft palate.
• To establish the relationship between cleft palate and otological complications.

Main Methods:

• Clinical examination, audiometry, and impedance measurements were performed on three groups of patients aged 3-15 years.
• Data analysis focused on hearing thresholds and tympanometric findings.

Main Results:

• Hearing impairment (20-40 dB) was observed in two-thirds of the patients.
• Pathological tympanometric curves were found in 72% of children under 8 years old.
• A significant correlation was confirmed between cleft palate and hearing impairment.

Conclusions:

• Children with cleft palate have a high incidence of hearing impairment and middle ear dysfunction.
• Close audiological follow-up is essential for early intervention and management of otological issues in this population.
• Prompt management can prevent long-term hearing loss and developmental issues.