Central Auditory Processing Abilities in Children with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: An Electrophysiological Study

BackgroundThe present study compared the central auditory processing abilities using electrophysiological tests in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and their age-matched control group.MethodThirty children aged 7 to 15 years were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into 2 groups. The clinical group (children with NSCLP) comprised 15 children, while the control group (craniofacially typical peers) comprised 15 children with normal hearing sensitivity and auditory processing skills. Electrophysiological tests, including auditory brainstem responses (ABR), binaural interaction component (BIC) of ABR, auditory late latency responses (ALLR), and P300 were assessed.ResultsThe results showed deviant responses in ABR, BIC, and ALLR in children with NSCLP compared to craniofacially typical counterparts. However, no significant difference was observed in P300 between the two groups.ConclusionChildren with NSCLP may be at a higher risk of central auditory processing disorder due to their abnormal neural transmission in the auditory nervous system. Also, assessing auditory processing abilities in children with NSCLP should include electrophysiological tests in the test battery for additional information regarding neural transmission.