Somefun O A, Lesi F E A, Danfulani M A, Olusanya B O
Otolaryngology Unit, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Araba, Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria.
Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2006 Apr;70(4):697-702. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2005.09.003. Epub 2005 Oct 6.
BACKGROUND/AIM: Communication disorders have been acknowledged as a major public health issue because they compromise early childhood development, restrict vocational attainment and undermine the economic well being of the society. The aim of this study is to determine the pattern of communication disorders among children in a developing country and the requisite intervention services.
This prospective study was conducted in Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos between January 2002 and June 2003 among children aged 6 months to 15 years that presented in the audiology clinic of the hospital with communication disorders. All the patients had neurological, otolaryngological, audiological and speech evaluations.
A total of 184 patients were seen during the period out of whom 136 (74%) were between the ages of 6-47 months. Hearing impairment was documented in 120 (65.2%) children, speech disorders in 56 (30.4%), rhinolalia 2.2% and stuttering 2.2%. Of those with hearing impairment, 70% had delayed speech and language. Among children with speech disorders 78.6% had specific language impairment (SLI). Aetiological factors recorded for the communication disorders were seizures 10.9%, measles 8.7% meningitis 8.7%, birth asphyxia 6.5%, otitis media with effusion (OME) 4.3%, kernicterus 4.3%, congenital deformity 4.3%, ototoxicity 2.2%, cerebral palsy 2.2%, and undetermined causes 47.9%.
Hearing impairment is the commonest communication disorder. Early detection and appropriate follow up is recommended for all children in their first year of life. The role of parents and caregivers in seeking early help should be strengthened while capacity building for the training of more audiologists and speech therapists should be pursued rapidly.
背景/目的：沟通障碍已被公认为一个重大的公共卫生问题，因为它们会损害儿童早期发育、限制职业成就并破坏社会的经济福祉。本研究的目的是确定一个发展中国家儿童中沟通障碍的模式以及必要的干预服务。
这项前瞻性研究于2002年1月至2003年6月在拉各斯大学教学医院进行，研究对象为在该医院听力诊所就诊的6个月至15岁有沟通障碍的儿童。所有患者均接受了神经学、耳鼻喉科、听力学和言语评估。
在此期间共诊治了184例患者，其中136例（74%）年龄在6 - 47个月之间。120例（65.2%）儿童有听力障碍，56例（30.4%）有言语障碍，2.2%有鼻音，2.2%有口吃。在有听力障碍的儿童中，70%存在言语和语言发育迟缓。在有言语障碍的儿童中，78.6%有特定语言障碍（SLI）。记录的沟通障碍病因包括癫痫10.9%、麻疹8.7%、脑膜炎8.7%、出生窒息6.5%、中耳积液（OME）4.3%、核黄疸4.3%、先天性畸形4.3%、耳毒性2.2%、脑瘫2.2%，以及病因不明47.9%。
听力障碍是最常见的沟通障碍。建议对所有一岁儿童进行早期检测和适当随访。应加强家长和照顾者寻求早期帮助的作用，同时应迅速开展能力建设以培训更多的听力学家和言语治疗师。
