Auditory neural efficiency in protein energy malnourished toddlers with and without iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

The detection of risk factors of hearing function is a crucial element for early intervention. Many researchers reported that protein energy malnutrition (PEM) and iron deficiency anemia affect myelination and neural maturation of the auditory brainstem pathway. Little data is available for the impact of PEM on the auditory cortical pathway. Moreover, there is marked controversy regarding this effect on the brainstem pathway. This work aimed to declare the effect of PEM and iron deficiency anemia on the auditory function of toddlers. 54 toddlers ranged in age from 1 to 3 years were included in this study. They were divided into study and control groups. All subjects were tested for their auditory brainstem response (ABR) and N1–P2 cortical potential after validation of normal middle ear pressure. Non-significant difference was found between study and control groups in all ABR measurements. However, there was significant amplitude reduction and latency prolongation of N1–P2 potential of the study group in comparison to the control one. Subjects with iron deficiency anemia had significant reduction in N1–P2 potential amplitude and prolongation in its latency in comparison to those without anemia. PEM especially when be associated with iron deficiency anemia can disturb the neuronal maturation of cortical auditory pathway in toddler’s age. Little or no effect was found on the auditory brainstem pathway.