The value of synthetic MRI in detecting the brain changes and hearing impairment of children with sensorineural hearing loss

Introduction Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) can arise from a diverse range of congenital and acquired factors. Detecting it early is pivotal for nurturing speech, language, and cognitive development in children with SNHL. In our study, we utilized synthetic magnetic resonance imaging (SyMRI) to assess alterations in both gray and white matter within the brains of children affected by SNHL. Methods The study encompassed both children diagnosed with SNHL and a control group of children with normal hearing 1. 5-month-olds (n = 52) and 3-month-olds (n = 78). Participants were categorized based on their auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold, delineated into normal, mild, moderate, and severe subgroups. Clinical parameters were included and assessed the correlation with SNHL. Quantitative analysis of brain morphology was conducted using SyMRI scans, yielding data on brain segmentation and relaxation time. Through both univariate and multivariate analyses, independent factors predictive of SNHL were identified. The efficacy of the prediction model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, with visualization facilitated through the utilization of a nomogram. It's important to note that due to the constraints of our research, we worked with a relatively small sample size. Results Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) and children with inner ear malformation (IEM) were associated with the onset of SNHL both at 1. 5 and 3-month groups. At 3-month group, the moderate and severe subgroups exhibited elevated quantitative T1 values in the inferior colliculus (IC), lateral lemniscus (LL), and middle cerebellar peduncle (MCP) compared to the normal group. Additionally, WMV, WMF, MYF, and MYV were significantly reduced relative to the normal group. Additionally, SNHL-children with IEM had high T1 values in IC, and LL and reduced WMV, WMF, MYV and MYF values as compared with SNHL-children without IEM at 3-month group. LL-T1 and WMF were independent risk factors associated with SNHL. Consequently, a prediction model was devised based on LL-T1 and WMF. ROC for training set, validation set and external set were 0. 865, 0. 806, and 0. 736, respectively. Conclusion The integration of T1 quantitative values and brain volume segmentation offers a valuable tool for tracking brain development in children affected by SNHL and assessing the progression of the condition's severity.