Assessment of auditory processing in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate

Abstract

Objective Few studies have shown that children with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCLP) experience auditory processing disorder to some degree. APD can negatively affect communication skills and academic performance. This study aimed to assess important aspects of auditory processing in school-age children with NSCLP. Method Dichotic digits (DD), gaps in noise (GIN) and monaural selective auditory attention tests (mSAAT) were assessed in school-age children with NSCLP in this study. Results Mean scores of dichotic digits of the right ear in children with NSCLP was higher than the control group without cleft (p < .001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the DD score of the left ear (p = .112). The score of right ear advantage (REA) in the NSCLP group was higher than the control group (p = .002). NSCLP group obtained lower scores in the GIN and mSAAT tests compared to the control group without craniofacial abnormalities (p = .008 for GIN% of the right ear and p < .001 for GIN threshold of both ears, GIN% for left ear and mSAAT scores). Conclusion The results indicate that some children with NSCLP may suffer from APD to some degree.