[Hearing changes in patients with cleft lip and palate: clinico-statistical contribution]

Abstract

The otological complications which may occur in subjects with cleft lip and palate due to middle ear and tubal impairment related to velopharyngeal musculature are discussed. Three groups of patients aged 3-15 years have been submitted to clinical examination, audiometry and impedance measurement. In 2/3 of cases there was hearing impairment between 20-40 dB and 72% out of children younger than 8 years a pathological tymponometric curve was observed. These results confirm the positive relationship between cleft palate and hearing impairment and suggest that these children must be followed-up very carefully in oder to prevent middle ear and tubal alterations.