Purpose: 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.
Materials and 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%).
Conclusion: 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.
Keywords: Acoustic stapedial reflex; Audiometry; Children; Tympanograms.