Asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss in children: progression and involvement of the contralateral ear

Abstract

Background

Sensorineural hearing loss in child has a profound impact on their neurodevelopment and on language acquisition. Thus, the diagnosis and early intervention are critical, namely in unilateral or bilateral asymmetric hearing losses, which are diagnosed later than symmetric bilateral hearing losses.

Objectives

This study aims to examine the progression of asymmetric SNHL in children, and the link between hearing thresholds and the technological level of the hearing aid fitted.

Material and methods

Eighteen children with asymmetric SNHL were submitted to a pure tone audiogram at the age of 5 years (T0) and reassessed at the age of 10 years (T1). Children were divided according to the technological level of the hearing aid fitted: basic, medium, and advanced.

Results

A positive correlation was established between the hearing thresholds at T0 and T1, revealing an accelerated progression of hearing thresholds in the better ear after a 5-year period.

Conclusions

Hearing thresholds in the worse ear influence the progression of the SNHL. Moreover, technologically advanced hearing aids led to a slower progression of the hearing thresholds over time.

Chinese Abstract

背景：儿童的感音神经性听力损失 (SNHL) 对其神经发育和语言获得产生巨大的影响。因此, 诊断和早期干预至关重要, 比如, 单侧或双侧不对称听力损失的诊断晚于对称双侧听力损失。

目的：本研究旨在检查儿童不对称 SNHL 的病情发展, 以及听力阈值与所配助听器技术等级之间的联系。

材料和方法：18 名不对称 SNHL 儿童在 5 岁时（T0）接受纯音听力图检查, 并在 10 岁时（T1）接受再检测。这些儿童根据所配助听器的技术等级分为：初级、中级和高级。

结果：在 T0 和 T1 的听力阈值之间确立了正相关关系, 表明 5 年后, 较好耳朵的听力阈值加速进展。

结论：较差耳朵的听力阈值会影响 SNHL 的进程。此外, 技术先进的助听器会引起听力阈值随着时间的推移而变慢。

Keywords:

• Child
• deafness
• sensorineural hearing loss
• unilateral hearing loss
• hearing aids

Disclosure statement

The authors report there are no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.