Central auditory processing functions in learning disabled children assessed by behavioural tests

Abstract

Background: There is a high prevalence of central auditory processing disorders (CAPD) in children diagnosed with learning disability (LD). It is important to identify any deficits early in order to determine appropriate management. Objective: To assess central auditory processing functions in children with LD through behavioural testing. Study design: The present study comprised 60 normal hearing children of both genders. Cases included 30 children with LD, and the controls included 30 healthy children. Each group was further subdivided into three equal number subgroups according to age: 6–8 years, > 8–10 years and > 10–12 years. All subjects were submitted to full history taking, otological examination, basic audiological evaluation and central auditory processing testing which included: low pass filtered speech test, speech-in-noise test, dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test, auditory fusion test and memory tests. Results: This study showed that the prevalence of CAPD in children with LD was 80%, with relatively more than soft CAPD criteria used. There were statistically significant differences between cases and controls regarding the central tests included in this study, except the LPF test and, in the youngest subgroup, the SPIN test. Age significantly affected psychophysical testing, and right ear advantage was found in our subjects. However, gender had no effect on testing. Conclusion: Central auditory processing functions were significantly affected in children with LD compared to controls.