Fine and Gross Motor Skills Assessment, from a Caregiver's Perspective, in Children with Hearing Loss Using a Modified Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3)

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a significant difference on ASQ-3 (Ages and Stages Questionnaire version 3) Gross (ASQ G) and Fine (ASQ F) Motor scores between children with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and children with normal hearing. Methods: Data was gathered from the ASQ-3 as reported by parents/caregivers of 61 children (28 normal hearing children and 33 children with SNHL) ages 6-36 months. Results were averaged across the participants for both groups. Independent sample t-Tests were used to assess for any statistically significant difference in the ASQ scores between groups. Chi-square analysis was completed to assess for any significant difference in pass rates between the two groups. Results: The results indicated a significant difference between the ASQ G and the ASQ F scores with lower scores for the SNHL group. Chi-square analysis also indicated a lower pass rate in SNHL group. Conclusions: The ASQ G and ASQ F scores in children with SNHL are lower than children with normal hearing. These results suggest the ASQ G and ASQ F sections of the ASQ-3 could be a useful tool to help identify children with SNHL with concomitant gross and/or fine motor developmental delays.