Exploring the Relationship Between Stuttering and Hearing Related Disorders

Abstract

Stuttering is a communication disorder commonly characterized by its observable behaviors including repetitions, postural fixations, and other aberrant motor movements. Stuttering is also a disorder that has repeatedly been shown to co-occur with other conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, and sleep issues, among others. Conditions whose co-occurrences remain unclear are those related to hearing loss. Findings from studies reporting on the occurrence of hearing issues among people who stutter have been mixed and, overall, lacking. Therefore, the purpose of this project was to profile the rate of hearing issues among people who stutter and to further assess these rates across sexes. Primary findings indicated that hearing loss and tinnitus are more prevalent among people who stutter than those who do not. Further research is critical in understanding common neural substrates of these two conditions and the interplay of sensory adaptations that bring about positive symptomatic relief, which are shared between stuttering and the auditory system