Evaluating test data for the duration pattern test and pitch pattern test

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate test data for the Duration Pattern test before incorporating this procedure into an auditory processing disorder (APD) test battery at speech and hearing clinics at Auburn University and Auburn University Montgomery. A total of 30 participants completed an otoscopic examination, tympanometry, a hearing screening, the Pitch Pattern tests, the Duration Pattern tests, and subtests of the SCAN-3:A. Twenty-seven participants had clear otoscopy, type A tympanograms, normal hearing, and yielded scores within normal limits on all completed subtests. For the Pitch Pattern test, 96% of participants scored 78% or higher in the right ear. In the left ear, 96% of participants scored 78% or higher. For the Duration Pattern test, 85% of the participants scored 73% or higher in the right ear. In the left ear 78% of participants scored 73% or higher. Performance on the Duration Pattern test in this study is lower than the norms established by Musiek, F. E. (1994b). Frequency (pitch) and duration pattern tests. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 5, 265–268. Musiek recommended using 73 and 78%, respectively, to define normal performance in a young adult population on the Duration Pattern test and Pitch Pattern test. No relationship was found between the Pitch Pattern test and the Duration Pattern test suggesting that the two tests should not be used interchangeably within an auditory processing test battery until further research either confirm or deny these tests are measuring the same auditory processing skill.