Evaluation of auditory brainstem responses in individuals diagnosed with speech delay

Disruption of language skills at any stage of life can negatively affect an individual’s psychosocial development, similar to other disability groups. In some cases, even if peripheral hearing is within normal limits, language development may still be delayed. This retrospective study included 104 children aged 12 to 72 months presenting with speech delay. The Turkish Early Language Development Test (TEDIL) was used to diagnose speech delay in children whose receptive and expressive language skills were below chronological age. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing was performed to record the latencies and amplitudes of waves I, III, and V. Absolute latencies and interpeak latencies (I–III, III–V, I–V) were statistically analyzed. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in wave latencies of the right and left ears for children aged 15–24 months when compared to normative values (p<0.05). In children aged 25–36 months, both wave and interpeak latencies were significantly different from normative values (p<0.05). Similar significant differences were observed in children older than 36 months (p<0.05). However, no significant difference was found in wave I of the left ear and in the interpeak latencies between waves III–V in either ear (p>0.05). The study demonstrated latency delays in waves I, III, and V in individuals diagnosed with speech delay. These delays in auditory brainstem responses may be indicative of underlying cognitive processing deficits contributing to delayed language development.