Impact of Temporal Lobe Epilepsy on Central Auditory Processing in Children

Abstract

Background: Anatomical and functional integrity of the auditory pathways, from peripheral to central structures, is essential for proper processing of auditory stimuli and a satisfactory development of language, speech, and learning. Neurological disorders, such as epilepsy, are one of the possible causes of central auditory disorders. Objective: The aim of the current work was to study the effect of temporal lobe epilepsy on auditory temporal resolution ability in children. Patients and methods: Thirty children suffering from temporal lobe epilepsy, with age ranged from 12 to 16 years, were included in this study. Also, 10 apparently healthy children with age and gender matched with the study group were taken as a control group. All children were subjected to full history taking, clinical examination, cognitive and basic audiological evaluation. Also, questionnaire for central auditory processing disorders in children was applied and assessment of temporal resolution ability using Gaps In Noise (GIN) test. Results: Children with temporal lobe epilepsy had significantly increased gap detection threshold (GDTh) values, and lower percentage of correct gap detection than control group. 86.7% of epileptic children demonstrated abnormal scores for approximate GIN threshold (gap detection threshold above 6 msec, with sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 100% for right ear and 86% and 100% for left ear. Conclusion: Temporal resolution deficit is a comorbidity in children with temporal lobe epilepsy and is increased with longer duration of epilepsy. Impairment was not affected by age, gender, medications or duration of treatment. Also, there was no significant difference between both ears in GIN test, reflecting no laterality effect.