PURPOSE: To verify the ability of sustained auditory attention in children with cleft lip and palate and phonological disorder, in comparison with the performance of children with cleft lip and palate and absence of phonological disorder. METHODS: Seventeen children with ages between 6 and 11 years, with repaired unilateral complete cleft lip and palate and absence of auditory complaints or hearing problems, were divided into two groups: GI (with phonological disorder) and GII (absence of phonological disorder). Audiometry and tympanometry were carried out to detect hearing problems. To diagnose phonological disorder, the following instruments were used: Child Language Test, and Phonological Awareness: Instrument of Sequential Assessment. The ability of auditory attention was assessed using the Test of Sustained Auditory Attention Ability. RESULTS: From seven children with phonological disorder (41%), two (29%) had altered results in the Test of Sustained Auditory Attention Ability. There was no difference between children with cleft lip and palate and phonological disorder and children with cleft lip and palate and absence of phonological disorder regarding the results of the Test of Sustained Auditory Attention Ability. CONCLUSION: The sustained auditory attention ability in children with cleft lip and palate and phonological disorder do not differ from the sustained auditory attention ability of children with cleft lip and palate without phonological disorder.
Auditory perception; Attention; Hearing; Child; Cleft palate; Communication; Speech disorders
