Central Auditory Processing Abilities in Children with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: An Electrophysiological Study

Abstract

The present study compared the central auditory processing abilities in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and their age-matched craniofacially typical counterparts. Thirty children aged 7 to 15 years were recruited for the study, with 15 children in each group. Electrophysiological tests, including auditory brainstem responses (ABR), binaural interaction component (BIC) of ABR, Auditory late latency responses (ALLR), and P300 were assessed. The results showed deviant responses in ABR, BIC, and ALLR in children with NSCLP compared to craniofacially typical counterparts. However, no significant difference was observed in P300 between the two groups. Hence, it can be concluded from the study that children with NSCLP are at higher risk of central auditory processing disorder due to their abnormal neural transmission in the auditory nervous system. Also, assessing auditory processing abilities in children with NSCLP should include electrophysiological tests in the test battery for additional information regarding neural transmission.