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Audiological status of children with cleft palate. A review of 350 cases
Insights
Middle ear disease affects over 60% of children treated for cleft palate. This study assessed its impact on hearing loss and correlated incidence with surgical methods and timing.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Audiology
Background:
- Cleft palate surgery can lead to complications like middle ear disease.
- Long-term audiological monitoring is crucial for affected children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and severity of middle ear disease in children with cleft palate.
- To analyze the progression of hearing loss in these patients.
- To correlate middle ear disease incidence with surgical techniques and timing.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 350 children treated for cleft palate.
- Periodic audiological examinations over 7 years.
- Assessment of middle ear disease frequency, severity, and hearing loss progression.
Main Results:
- Over 60% incidence of middle ear disease observed.
- Detailed assessment of disease frequency and severity.
- Tracking of individual hearing loss progress throughout childhood.
Conclusions:
- High incidence of middle ear disease in cleft palate patients necessitates ongoing audiological surveillance.
- Surgical approach and timing for cleft palate repair may influence middle ear disease rates.
Abstract:
350 children treated for cleft palate at the children's Hospital of Cape Town, have been followed by periodic examination at the Audiological Unit of the Groote Schuur Hospital over a period of 7 years. The incidence of middle ear disease has been found to be over 60%. Its frequency and severity has been assessed and the progress of the hearing loss in individual cases during childhood years has been followed in many instances. The causation is discussed and methods of management described. The incidence is correlated with the type of operation performed for cleft repair and with the age at which it was done.
