Data are presented indicating a correlation between chronic recurrent otitis media of early childhood and in increased likelihood of subsequent auditory processing deficits in a group of children referred for evaluation of impaired learning. Helpful appendices are added for a better understanding a central auditory processing skills.
The effects of chronic otitis media during the first three years of life on developing auditory processing skills were examined. Two groups of children with auditory processing deficits were compared in areas of language development, intellectual factors, auditory processing skills, and academic capabilities. One group of children with auditory processing deficits had a history of severe chronic otitis media during the first three years of life, whereas a second group had auditory processing deficits but no history of early middle ear infections. The results indicate that subjects who had a history of chronic otitis media were slower in developing word combinations, had depressed verbal intelligence scores, manifested pervasive auditory processing deficits, and were significantly poorer in reading. A profile has been constructed that permits early detection of the child at risk.
Auditory processing deficits and articulation disorders were studied in a group of male juvenile delinquents. Significant auditory processing deficits were frequently observed and were significantly related to underachievement in reading, spelling, and arithmetic. In addition, articulation disorders were present in over 60% of the delinquent subjects. The results are interpreted to indicate that the evaluation of speech capabilities and auditory processing skills should be an integral part of treatment programs for delinquent populations. The importance of early intervention through identification and treatment of speech and language disorders in the early school period is supported.
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