Medial olivocochlear function in children with poor speech-in-noise performance and language disorder.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Contralateral masking of transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions is a phenomenon that suggests an inhibitory effect of the olivocochlear efferent auditory pathway. Many studies have been inconclusive in demonstrating a clear connection between this system and a behavioral speech-in-noise listening skill. The purpose of this study was to investigate the activation of a medial olivocochlear (MOC) efferent in children with poor speech-in-noise (PSIN) performance and children with language impairment and PSIN (SLI + PSIN). METHODS: Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) with and without contralateral white noise were tested in 52 children (between 6 and 12 years). These children were arranged in three groups typical development (TD) (n = 25), PSIN (n = 14) and SLI + PSI (n = 13). RESULTS: PSIN and SLI + PSI groups presented reduced otoacoustic emission suppression in comparison with the TD group. CONCLUSION: Our finding suggests differences in MOC function among children with typical development and children with poor SIN and language problems.