Does Binaural Stimulation Enhance Temporal Processing in Young Children?

Abstract

Background and objective Temporal processing abilities help perceive signal changes over time. Efficient temporal processing is necessary for pitch perception, voice identification, and speech perception. It plays a significant role in language development. Internal redundancy of the central auditory nervous plays a role in processing sensory information. There is a need to gain more insights into the maturation of neural hardwiring that supports binaural temporal processing at a young age. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the difference between monaural and binaural temporal processing in children aged 7-11 years. Methods Temporal processing was assessed using gap detection and temporal modulation transfer function (TMTF) tests. The tests were administered in 40 typically developing children with normal clinical auditory sensitivity. The maximum likelihood procedure (MLP), a MATLAB toolbox, was employed to deliver the stimulus. A multivariate analysis followed by post hoc analysis was performed to analyze the data. Results There was a significant difference between binaural and monoaural stimulation in children aged 7-11 years. However, there was no statistically significant difference between the right and left ears for gap detection threshold (GDT) and TMTF across all test frequencies. Conclusion Based on our findings, binaural stimulation enhances temporal processing in young children.