Analysis of diagnostic-therapeutic results after the first year of life in children of hearing disturbance risk groups

Introduction: It is assumed that the critical period for diagnosis of hearing disorders is the baby’s first three months of life and that appropriate course and implementation of treatment and/or rehabilitation should begin before a child is six months old. However various kinds of problems may occur during auditory screening of a child may exceed this interval. Aim: The aim of this study was an evaluation of auditory screening results for children over 12 months old with congenital hearing loss. Material and methods: Results from 250 children were analyzed retrospectively. The study group consisted of children between one and three months old observed between 2015–2016. For the purpose of this analysis we divided the patients into four groups: • children with Down Syndrome • children with nervous system disorders • children with cleft palate or both cleft palate and lip • and children with congenital CMV. To discuss performed diagnostics and treatment two groups of children were esteblished: • with implementation of appropriate course of treatment • without instituted treatment. Results: 250 children were examined in Level III NICUs in the years 2015–2016. The highest proportion of children with the implemented course of proceedings, was in groups with children with congenital CMV (71,1%). The highest proportion of children substituted with a hearing prosthesis was observed in the group of children with Down Syndrome. The lowest proportion of children with the implemented course of proceedings, was in groups with children with cleft palate or both cleft palate and lip (41,6%). Conclusions: • Early implementation of treatment and/or rehabilitation in children with hearing disorders is crucial to prevent depression of speech and psychological development. I t is important in children with cleft palate or both cleft palate and lip even if surgical correction is discussed. • The highest proportion of children with the implemented course of proceedings, was in groups with children with congenital CMV. This children should be observed despite of right results of hearing tests. • In children with nervous system disorders 1 year period of observation is too short to exclude problems with hearing.