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Disparities in Speech and Language Delay Among Children With Aural Atresia.

Authors :
Florentine MM
Le Clec'h S
Upton SM
Scarpelli C
Carr JP
Chan DK
Source :
Ear and hearing [Ear Hear] 2022 Sep-Oct 01; Vol. 43 (5), pp. 1574-1581. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Mar 23.
Publication Year :
2022

Abstract

Objective: To describe risk factors for speech and language delay in a diverse population of children with aural atresia.<br />Methods: Retrospective chart review was performed from 2012 to 2020 at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital to identify children with aural atresia evaluated for speech, language, or auditory skills delays. Ninety-five children with aural atresia, conductive hearing loss, and assessment of speech, language, or auditory skills delay were included. Demographic and clinical data were analyzed to identify predictors of speech and language delay. Cohort and case-control analyses were performed to determine risk factors for delayed intervention, and for ultimate delays in speech, language, or auditory skills.<br />Results: Children exhibited a wide diversity of race/ethnicity, primary home language, geography, and insurance status. Eighty-nine percent had unilateral aural atresia. Forty-eight percent had delays in speech, language, or auditory skills. Most children used hearing aids (84%), had educational accommodations (84%), and received speech therapy (63%). In a univariate retrospective cohort analysis, public-insured ( p = 0.004), non-English speaking ( p = 0.002) and non-white/non-Hispanic children ( p = 0.007) were found to be significantly less likely to be fit with hearing aids in infancy. Children with delays were fit with hearing aids at later ages. In a multivariate case-control analysis, primary home language was a significant predictor for presence of delays [OR, 3.9 (95% CI: 1.2-13.2), p = 0.03].<br />Conclusions: Disparities due to insurance type, primary language, and race/ethnicity are associated with delays in hearing aid fitting for children with aural atresia. Earlier, hearing amplification is correlated with reduced risk for speech, language, and auditory skills delay. These findings can help identify at-risk children for targeted support.<br /> (Copyright © 2022 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1538-4667
Volume :
43
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Ear and hearing
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
35319519
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1097/AUD.0000000000001218