Audiological and Speech and Language Characteristics of a Case with Hunter's Syndrome

Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2024 Feb;76(1):1110-1113. doi: 10.1007/s12070-023-04144-y. Epub 2023 Aug 31.

Abstract

Hearing loss is a common manifestation of Hunter's syndrome, with reported rates ranging from 67.3 to 94%. The aim is to highlight the audiological profile and pathophysiology of mixed hearing loss in individuals with hunter's syndrome. A 7.6-year-old male child was brought to the department of audiology with a complaint of not responding to name call and regression in the speech and language skills. Detailed audiological showed severe to profound mixed hearing loss. REELS and 3DLAT results showed RLA to be 9 to 10 months and ELA to be 6 to 7 months. Owing to the progressive nature and high prevalence of hearing loss in hunter's syndrome, this case report highlights the importance of middle ear evaluation in the pediatric hearing assessment apart from OAE and ABR. Speech- language therapy must be considered with a focus on functional communication.

Keywords: Auditory brainstem response; Glycosaminoglycans; Hearing loss; Hunter’s syndrome; Immittance evaluation; Mixed hearing loss; Mucopolysaccharides II; Speech and language delay.