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. © 2021 International Association of Physicians in Audiology.