Auditory Pathologies in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Abstract Background: The location of lesions causing hearing loss in patients with cerebral palsy remains unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the incidence and characteristics of auditory pathologies in children with various forms of cerebral palsy. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled 42 children with a confirmed diagnosis of cerebral palsy. All participants underwent comprehensive clinical examinations; including general and otorhinolaryngological assessments. Audiological evaluations were performed via analyzing brainstem auditory responses (ABR), including short-latency brainstem auditory evoked potentials, as well as, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE). Tympanometry with (classification of tympanogram types and assessment of acoustic reflexes). Results: The findings demonstrated bilateral lesions in the peripheral portion of the auditory analyzer. Bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) was identified in all affected children: 6 children in grade I (mild), 8 children in grade II (moderate), 10 children in grade III (severe), 18 children in grade IV (profound). Significant alterations in key parameters of brainstem auditory structures were observed, particularly in the wave components I, III, and V. Conclusions: This study revealed significant auditory dysfunction in children with cerebral palsy, predominantly characterized by severe bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The findings support the need for early hearing correction in this population and highlight the potential for identifying the level of auditory pathway involvement.