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.

Keywords:

• Auditory processing
• cleft lip and palate
• auditory processing disorder
• speech perception

Acknowledgements

The authors grateful to the patients and individuals who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.

Additional information

Funding

The research was supported by Cleft lip and palate clinic of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.