Hearing loss in children with craniofacial anomalies

It is well documented that children with craniofacial anomalies are at a greater risk of hearing impairment and middle ear pathology than children without craniofacial anomalies. Most research has focused on the hearing loss present in this population during the first few months of life. However, recent research has indicated that even if these infants pass newborn hearing screening at birth, on-going monitoring of hearing throughout childhood is required due to their increased risk of developing a postnatal hearing loss. A recent study completed by the authors revealed that children with craniofacial anomalies are 2.6 times more likely to develop a postnatal hearing loss than children without craniofacial anomalies. This chapter will begin with an overview of the type and degree of hearing impairment found in children with craniofacial anomalies and the implications of a hearing loss on the child's ability to develop speech and language. It will then explore methods to detect hearing loss from birth through childhood, with an emphasis on on-going monitoring. This chapter will conclude by addressing management options for hearing loss, which will help optimize the child's developmental outcomes.