Auditory Stimulation In Auditory Maturation Delay- A Case Study

Introduction: Auditory deficiencies have profound implications for the development of communication abilities, social exchange, and cognitive skills. Although advances in technological instrumentation have decreased the age at which it is possible to detect auditory deficits, an absence of electrophysiological or behavioural reaction to sound does not always reflect auditory loss in younger children. Aim of the study: To profile audiological findings of a child with auditory maturation delay associated with Chudley McCullough Syndrome post auditory stimulation. Method: An extensive audiological evaluation, comprising Behavioral Observation Audiometry, Immittance Audiometry, Oto- Acoustic emission, Auditory Brainstem Response, and Cortical Auditory Evoked Potentials, was performed on a 6-month-old infant. After the audiological evaluation, the infant received auditory stimulation for two months. A comparable audiological assessment was conducted after auditory training. Results: The infant was diagnosed to have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears with noticeable cochlear microphonics in ABR on pre stimulation testing. As a result, he was recommended and had undergone auditory stimulation for two months. Audiological testing post auditory stimulation revealed significant improvements in auditory responses and noticeable betterment in auditory thresholds. Conclusion: Detailed audiological test battery is necessary in determining auditory maturation delay. Intensive auditory stimulation should be provided before concluding on the auditory management.