Análise da avaliação audiológica e de hipersensibilidade em crianças com risco para o Transtorno do Espectro Autista

Abstract

Introduction: Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is considered a neurodevelopmental disorder with high worldwide prevalence and is characterized mainly by deficits in social skills, social interaction and the possibility of sensory-perceptual changes. Studies have shown the possibility of hearing hypersensitivity in these individuals, as well as behaviors that resemble hearing loss. Thus, hearing assessment is an essential part of the process of diagnosing cases with suspected ASD. Objective: To analyze the feasibility and results of the behavioral, electroacoustic and electrophysiological auditory assessment of children with clinical signs of ASD risk, as well as the parents' perception about the occurrence of hypersensitivity. Method: this is an observational and cross-sectional study, structured in two studies: (1) audiological behavioral, electro-acoustic and electrophysiological evaluation of children with clinical signs of ASD risk: a series of cases and (2) parents' perception of hypersensitivity hearing loss in children with clinical signs of ASD risk: a preliminary study. Results: Nine children were evaluated in the first study and all were able to perform behavioral assessment. Despite the absence of hearing loss, there was a change in electroacoustic and electrophysiological tests, with absent acoustic reflexes and absolute latencies of waves III and V and increased interpeak intervals. The complaint of hypersensitivity was found in 66.6% of the children, with behaviors related to misophonia being reported. Conclusion: the children with clinical signs of ASD did not present peripheral hearing loss, however, there was an alteration in the auditory pathway from the cochlear nuclei and a high occurrence of hearing hypersensitivity complaint in this population.