Assessment of auditory processing in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate

Abstract

Objective Few studies have shown that children with non-syndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCLP) experience auditory processing disorder to some degree. APD can negatively affect communication skills and academic performance. This study aimed to assess important aspects of auditory processing in school-age children with NSCLP. Method Dichotic digits (DD), gaps in noise (GIN) and monaural selective auditory attention tests (mSAAT) were assessed in school-age children with NSCLP in this study. Results Mean scores of dichotic digits of the right ear in children with NSCLP was higher than the control group without cleft (p < .001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the DD score of the left ear (p = .112). The score of right ear advantage (REA) in the NSCLP group was higher than the control group (p = .002). NSCLP group obtained lower scores in the GIN and mSAAT tests compared to the control group without craniofacial abnormalities (p = .008 for GIN% of the right ear and p < .001 for GIN threshold of both ears, GIN% for left ear and mSAAT scores). Conclusion The results indicate that some children with NSCLP may suffer from APD to some degree.

The relationship between auditory behaviours and speech and language development in children with cleft lip and palate

“…All have reported similar findings to earlier studies. Zarei et al [ 21 ] studied 23 children with CLP and normal hearing aged 8–12 years in Iran. They tested temporal processing using a Gaps-in-Noise test, processing speech-in-noise, and binaural integration through a dichotic digit task.…”