Researchers have developed a non-invasive technique to map the auditory pathway in the human brain. This pathway carries signals from the ear to the language centers.
The research, published in September, highlights the importance of early interventions for children's auditory-language development, leading to better long-term hearing and speech comprehension.
Why it matters
The new method could help physicians determine the best surgical strategy for children with profound hearing loss at the earliest age possible.
Auditory pathways
Context
The researchers mapped the auditory and language pathways in 23 children under 6, 10 with normal hearing, and 13 with profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).
Profound hearing loss happens when there is damage to the hair cells of the inner ear or the auditory nerve connecting the ear to the brain.
- Without treatment, children can miss the sound needed for the brain's language network to develop correctly.
- Treatments like cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory system, but outcomes vary.
- People with profound hearing loss typically cannot hear any or only very loud sounds.
- Hearing loss present from birth has increased in prevalence over the past two decades, from 1.09 to 1.7 cases per 1,000 live births.
The problem: Accurately assessing the condition of the auditory nerves and ear structures before surgery is a significant challenge.
The answer: The new technique uses advanced MRI scanning and image-analysis methods to reconstruct the anatomy of young patients’ auditory pathways.
The findings
Children with profound sensorineural hearing loss have lower nerve fiber density in their auditory and language pathways, suggesting unique changes or abnormalities compared to those with normal hearing.
- The new mapping technique enables pre-surgical evaluation of inner ear malformations and cochlear nerve deficiencies on auditory pathway development.
- Results showed the language pathway was more sensitive to inner ear malformations and cochlear nerve deficiencies than the central auditory system.
The takeaway
Accurately mapping the auditory-language system before surgery may aid in making the best treatment decision for children with profound hearing loss at the earliest age, improving their speech and language development.
Concerned about your child’s hearing? Don’t guess.
Call to schedule a consultation with an audiologist. Early diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss in children increases treatment effectiveness, maximizing your child’s academic, social, and psychomotor benefits.
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