Hearing-related quality of life, developmental outcomes and performance in children and young adults with unilateral conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia.

Abstract

Background: While research has shown that children with unilateral inner ear deafness have a lower quality of life and developmental outcomes compared to normal hearing peers, little is known about these domains in children with unilateral congenital conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the hearing-related quality of life and developmental outcomes and performance in children and young adults with unilateral conductive hearing loss due to aural atresia. Method: Nineteen children and young adults with unilateral aural atresia received a set of five questionnaires. Hearing-related quality of life, general quality of life, speech and language development, educational performance and social-emotional development were measured by the Speech, Spatial and Quality of Hearing Scale, Kidscreen-27, Children’s Communication Checklist, a custom questionnaire, Children’s Behaviour Checklist and Youth/Adult Self-Report, respectively. Scores on the questionnaires were compared to their norm scores. Mann-Whitney U tests and independent t-tests were used to identify significant differences between age groups. Results: Mean scores on the Speech, Spatial and Quality of Hearing Scale were M=6.78, M=5.00 and M=6.98 for the Speech, Spatial and Quality of Hearing subscales, respectively. Mean scores on the Kidscreen-27, Children’s Communication Checklist, Children’s Behaviour Checklist and Youth/Adult Self-Report fell within normal or non-clinical range. A higher need for educational assistance was observed. Conclusion: Children and young adults with unilateral conductive hearing loss due to congenital aural atresia seem to have a lower hearing-related quality of life compared to normal-hearing peers and seem to need educational assistance. Regarding general quality of life, speech and language development and social-emotional development these children and young adults seem to develop normally. Recommendation: Guidance for these children during education is prudent to allow them to thrive.