Abstract
In this study, we showed an abnormal resting-state quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) pattern in children with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Twenty-seven children (16 male, 11 female; mean age = 10.7 years) with CAPD and no symptoms of other developmental disorders, as well as 23 age- and sex-matched, typically developing children (TDC, 11 male, 13 female; mean age = 11.8 years) underwent examination of central auditory processes (CAPs) and QEEG evaluation consisting of two randomly presented blocks of “Eyes Open” (EO) or “Eyes Closed” (EC) recordings. Significant correlations between individual frequency band powers and CAP tests performance were found. The QEEG studies revealed that in CAPD relative to TDC there was no effect of decreased delta absolute power (1.5–4 Hz) in EO compared to the EC condition. Furthermore, children with CAPD showed increased theta power (4–8 Hz) in the frontal area, a tendency toward elevated theta power in EO block, and reduced low-frequency beta power (12–15 Hz) in the bilateral occipital and the left temporo-occipital regions for both EO and EC conditions. Decreased middle-frequency beta power (15–18 Hz) in children with CAPD was observed only in the EC block. The findings of the present study suggest that QEEG could be an adequate tool to discriminate children with CAPD from normally developing children. Correlation analysis shows relationship between the individual EEG resting frequency bands and the CAPs. Increased power of slow waves and decreased power of fast rhythms could indicate abnormal functioning (hypoarousal of the cortex and/or an immaturity) of brain areas not specialized in auditory information processing.
Highlights
Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) refers to a dysfunction in how the central nervous system (CNS) utilizes auditory information
We found significant negative associations between the beta band power in the frontal area under the EO condition and the results of temporal patterning tests (DPT) (Figures 3, 4B and Table S1)
This study present the preliminary electrophysiological results in children with a CAPD subtype characterized by deficits in auditory processing of competing acoustic signals and auditory pattern recognition
Summary
Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) refers to a dysfunction in how the central nervous system (CNS) utilizes auditory information. CAPD is recognized when the peripheral hearing is normal, but there are deficits in one or more of the following central auditory processes (CAPs): sound source localization; auditory stimuli discrimination; recognition of acoustic patterns (temporal patterning); temporal aspects of audition, including temporal integration, temporal discrimination (e.g., gap detection), temporal ordering/sequencing of rapid events and temporal masking; auditory performance in competing acoustic signals (including dichotic listening) or understanding of degraded speech (ASHA, 2005; American Academy of Audiology, 2010; British Society of Audiology, 2011a) These abnormal CAPs are believed to result from CNS lesions in the areas specialized in processing of auditory stimuli and responsible for interhemispheric transfer of acoustic information (Jerger et al, 2002; Moncrieff, 2006) as well as from several factors such as premature birth, low birth weight and chronic ear infections. Presently there is neither universally accepted CAP test battery nor specific cut-offs for CAPD evaluation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
