Association of Hearing Loss in Children with Cerebral Palsy

Background: The disease cerebral palsy (CP) primarily impacts muscle control and movement, potentially resulting in numerous associated disorders in early childhood. One notable complication that may arise in individuals with CP is hearing loss, which can develop due to various underlying factors related to the condition. Objectives: To assess hearing impairment in CP children by using brainstem evoked response audiometry (BERA). Materials and Methods: There were 110 confirmed cases of CP between the ages of 6 months and 10 years. Audiologic Assessment: BERA was used to evaluate the hearing of the children. Demographic, otologic, and audiologic information were collected systematically, accompanied by records detailing other otologic and medical conditions. Results: The prevalence of hearing loss in children aged ≤4 years (CP). In addition, males were more commonly affected in CP. Prematurity was significantly higher (62%) in the group with hearing loss. The number of maternal infections was also significantly higher in the group with hearing loss (58.33%). Malnutrition, mode of delivery, maternal tobacco use, and maternal alcohol use were not significantly associated with hearing loss. The frequency of low birth weight patients (<2500 g) was higher in hearing loss (79.17%). Neonatal seizure was also significantly associated with hearing loss (54.17%) than in patients without hearing loss (24.42%). Meconium aspiration, delayed crying, neonatal jaundice, neonatal sepsis, exclusive breastfeeding, and immunizations were not significantly associated with hearing loss. Conclusion: Preterm birth and maternal infections were significantly more common in the group with hearing loss. Low birth weight (<2500 g) and neonatal seizures were also significantly associated with hearing loss.