ABR thresholds in infants born with CLP and OME and infants with OME

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate and compare auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds related to otitis media with effusion (OME) in infants with and without cleft palate and/or lip (CP ± L).MethodsForty-seven infants with CP ± L and 67 infants with OME participated in the study. Hearing thresholds of ears of infants with OME were compared between groups and within the group with CP ± L.ResultsInfants with CP ± L and OME presented with similar hearing thresholds as infants with OME and not CP ± L. Within the cleft group, infants with isolated cleft palate and OME demonstrated significantly higher hearing thresholds than infants with unilateral cleft lip and palate and OME.ConclusionA high prevalence of infants with CP ± L present with OME early in life. Hearing thresholds of these infants are similar to infants without CP ± L, but with OME. The ear status and hearing thresholds of infants with CP ± L needs to be monitored to be able to provide the best access to hearing in order to fully allow speech and language development.