Abstract
Introduction: Children with global developmental delay (GDD) are at greater risk to have hearing impairments. These impairments interfere with developmental progress or rehabilitation effects. Hearing impairments may be correctable and if so, may improve developmental outcomes. We aimed to study the incidence, characteristics and probable risk factors of hearing impairment in children aged six months to two years with GDD. Methods: In this prospective study, an auditory evaluation was carried out by a trained audiologist in children with GDD. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) and brainstem auditory evoked response (BERA) were assessed in these children. Hearing loss was classified based on Goodmann's classification. Results: Of 113 children with GDD assessed, hearing impairment was identified in 35 (30.9%) children. Of 35 children, 22 (62.8%) had isolated sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Conductive hearing loss was identified in four (11.5%) and combined hearing loss in nine (25.7%). Of 31 children with SNHL, hearing loss was bilateral in 25 (80.6%). In SNHL, hearing loss was profound in one (3.2%), severe in 14 (45%), moderately severe in three (9.6%), and moderate in five (16.2%). Hearing impairment was associated with 31.7% (20/63) children with cerebral palsy. Kernicterus was another predominant risk factor associated with SNHL. Metabolic disorders, otitis media, tuberous sclerosis, and metachromatic leukodystrophy were other conditions associated with hearing impairment. Conclusions: Hearing impairment is accompanied by about a third of children with GDD. The hearing impairment in children with GDD tends to severe SNHL type in about 45% and bilateral in about 80%.
Highlights
Children with global developmental delay (GDD) are at greater risk to have hearing impairments
Hearing impairment was associated with 31.7% (20/63) children with cerebral palsy
Hearing impairment is accompanied by about a third of children with GDD
Summary
Children with global developmental delay (GDD) are at greater risk to have hearing impairments. These impairments interfere with developmental progress or rehabilitation effects. Hearing loss in infants may be peripheral or central in origin It may be unilateral or bilateral; conductive, sensorineural, or mixed; mild, moderate, severe or profound; of sudden or gradual onset; stable, progressive or fluctuating. The effects of hearing impairment depend on the nature and degree of the hearing loss and the individual characteristics of the child. Factors such as intelligence, medical and physical conditions including associated syndrome, family support, age at onset, time of detection, and interventions affect the impact. About 20% of under - five children with global developmental delay (GDD) were reported to have abnormal brainstem auditory evoked response (BERA) and about 60% of children with cerebral palsy (CP)
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