Abstract
Aim To study the nature of concomitant pathology of the ear, nose and throat in patients with ASD for the timely initiation of additional intervention
Material and Method The study is based on examination data of 78 patients aged from 18 months to 17 years (M = 10 ± 4.679) with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The diagnosis was made by a psychiatrist and confirmed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R). All children underwent an audiological examination and were examined by an otolaryngologist as part of research work. Examination methods: otoscopy, pharyngoscopy, anterior rhinoscopy, nasopharyngeal endoscopy, registration of otoacoustic emission, tympanometry, registration of auditory brainstem evoked potentials, auditory steady state response (ASSR-test).
Results ENT disorders were identified, such as adenoid hypertrophy was detected in 53 (68%), chronic otitis - in 9 (12%), chronic tonsillitis - in 5 (6.4%), acute adenoiditis - in 4 (5%), decreased hearing loss was detected in 4 (5%) cases, 1 (1.2%) had a cleft soft palate, a deviated nasal septum in 1 (1.2%), and recurrent nosebleeds in 1 (1.2%).
Conclusions There is a high prevalence of ENT pathology and cases of hearing loss in children with ASD. It is important to provide a special examination with objective methods to identify hearing loss and ENT diseases. Earlier diagnosis of hearing loss means earlier intervention.
