Objective Hearing Assessment in Children with Delayed Speech in Southern Nigeria: A Retrospective Analysis

Background: The aetiology of speech pathologies in children can be multifactorial, with hearing loss playing a major role. Objective hearing assessments, such as tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions (OAE} and auditory brainstem audiometry are crucial for diagnosing hearing impairment in children. Objective: To determine the presence and patterns of hearing loss in children with speech impairment in Southern Nigeria using objective hearing assessment parameters. Materials and Methods: We retrieved data from medical records children who presented to the audiology/speech therapy section of the ear, nose and throat department of a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria between January 2014 to December 2023. Children aged 0- 15 year who had speech impairment and objective hearing assessment were included in the study. Collected data included demographic information, tympanometry, otoacoustic emission, auditory Brainstem response (ABR) results. Results: A total of 122 children with speech impairment were included in the study. Male/ female ratio was found to be 1.7: 1. Most (69.7%) patients were aged between 0-5years. Normal tympanometry Type A were seen most (95%) of case while 54.9% had abnormal otoacoustic emission indicating cochlear dysfunction. ABR results were abnormal in 39.3% the cases showing deficient brainstem response. Conclusion: Hearing loss is prevalent among speech- impaired children in Southern Nigeria, with cochlear (sensory) hearing loss being predominant. Early hearing screening, and parental education are recommended to address this challenge.