Audiological findings in children with cerebral palsy

Cerebral Palsy is a disorder that develops due to brain damage, especially affecting motor functions, in the very early stages of life. The aim of the study was to evaluate the audiological characteristics of children with CP using behavioral, electroacoustic and electrophysiological methods; to reveal differences, if any, from normative values reported for similar age. Twenty-seven children (11 girls, 16 boys) diagnosed with CP between 5-18 years of age and 26 children (11 girls, 15 boys) in the control group were included in the study. Immitansymmetric examination (OCD, static compliance and ARE), pure voice and speech audiometry, OAE test and ABR measurements were performed. In audiometric examination; air and bone pathway SSO and speech tests were performed. In ABR measurements, I, III, V. wave latencies, I-V, I-III, III-V interpeak latencies at intensities of 70 and 50 dB nHL were evaluated. Tympanometric evaluation of children in the CP group revealed bilateral Type C tympanogram in 2 patients and Type B tympanogram in 1 patient. In the affected ears, they were not ARE, but remained OAE and very mild grade ITIC. It was excluded from the analysis as it would provide general latency prolongation in ABR. Bilateral Type A tympanogram was obtained in other CP group children. Yarn-counter ARE are available. SSO results are within normal limits. The screening was bilaterally passed the TEOAE test. No statistically significant difference was observed between the control group and the findings (p> 0.05). In the SP group, 70 dB nHL intensity in ABR III. and V. wave latencies and IPL I-III, I-V, and 50 dB nHL intensity in V. wave latencies when compared with the control group (p <0.05), there was no significant difference in audiological evaluation. In conclusion, in the audiological evaluation of the analyzed CP group, the peripheral and central hearing systems are normal and more detailed evaluation of different parameters is recommended.