Audiological evaluation in children affected by myelomeningocele.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the auditory system in children affected by myelomeningocele and comparing the results with clinical neurological conditions.


METHODS
Forty-three children, aged between 7 and 26 years, affected by myelomeningocele were investigated by means of subjective tonal audiometry and objective impedance audiometry (tympanometry and acoustic stapedial reflex).


RESULTS
Audiological evaluation showed an alteration in 32 patients (74%%). Nine patients presented a mild hearing loss: bilateral in six cases (three sensorineural, one mixed, and two conductive) and unilateral in three cases (two mixed and one conductive). One patient had moderate unilateral conductive deafness and, finally another one severe unilateral sensorineural. Almost all patients with deafness were affected by myelomeningocele and Chiari II. Stapedial-cochlear reflex investigation showed an alteration in 30 patients (70%): 9 of these also showed deafness while the remaining 21 was normal hearing. In these 30 patients, we demonstrated the presence of myelomeningocele, hydrocephalus, and Chiari II malformation in 21 subjects (70%).


CONCLUSIONS
Otoneurological evaluation is important in myelomeningocele not only at the birth but also in the follow-up. It could have an important prognostic role for neurological impairment.
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Paediatrics, Rome, Italy. pmpicciotti@rm.unicatt.it.|Department of Otolaryngology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo A. Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy. pmpicciotti@rm.unicatt.it.
Pasqualina Maria
PM
Picciotti
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Paediatrics, Rome, Italy.
M
M
Battista
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Paediatrics, Rome, Italy.
M
M
Pandolfini
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery and Paediatrics, Rome, Italy.
G
G
Paludetti
Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
E
E
Ausili
Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
C
C
Romagnoli
Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
C
C
Rendeli
D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008591:Meningomyelocele / Q000150:complications*; D012022:Reflex, Acoustic / Q000502:physiology; D055815:Young Adult
Acoustic stapedial reflex; Audiometry; Children; Tympanograms