[Synopsis of results with 1,300 children with language developmental delay from the etiopathogenetic, audiologic and...

This study presents the results of 1,305 children with speech disorders. The examination included ENT inspection, audiometry, speech evaluations and if required, psychological tests. In 48% we found hearing loss, most frequently in the age-group up to 4 years. In 95% hearing loss fluctuated about 20 dB, caused by malfunction of the tube or by adenoids, not only in autumn and winter, but throughout the year. In this case, the total hearing input of these children is reduced. In only 5% we found cochlear hearing loss. In hearing-impaired children the speech development was significantly depressed in all dimensions in comparison with normal-hearing children. 19% of the children were generally delayed in development. Other causes of speech disorders were less important. This study demonstrates the necessity of follow-up microscopy of the tympanic membrane, audiometry and operative therapy including adenoidectomy and insertion of ventilation tubes. With this concept, only 37% of the children required speech therapy.