Auditory Processing Abilities Research Articles

Central Auditory Processing Abilities in Children with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip and Palate: An Electrophysiological Study.

The present study compared the central auditory processing abilities using electrophysiological tests in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and their age-matched control group. Thirty children aged 7 to 15 years were recruited for the study. Participants were divided into 2 groups. The clinical group (children with NSCLP) comprised 15 children, while the control group (craniofacially typical peers) comprised 15 children with normal hearing sensitivity and auditory processing skills. Electrophysiological tests, including auditory brainstem responses (ABR), binaural interaction component (BIC) of ABR, auditory late latency responses (ALLR), and P300 were assessed. The results showed deviant responses in ABR, BIC, and ALLR in children with NSCLP compared to craniofacially typical counterparts. However, no significant difference was observed in P300 between the two groups. Children with NSCLP may be at a higher risk of central auditory processing disorder due to their abnormal neural transmission in the auditory nervous system. Also, assessing auditory processing abilities in children with NSCLP should include electrophysiological tests in the test battery for additional information regarding neural transmission.

Auditory processing abilities of children with congenital blindness

BackgroundChildren with visual challenges rely on their hearing ability to accomplish daily tasks more efficiently. Many investigations show changes in the auditory pathway in children and adults with early blindness. It can be hypothesized that the auditory processing abilities of children with congenital blindness will be superior to those of typically developing children without any visual challenges. PurposeThe current study was designed to compare some of the auditory processing abilities of children with congenital blindness and typically developing children who do not have any visual challenges. Specifically, the study compared the perception of speech in noise, temporal patterning ability, binaural integration ability as well as auditory memory and sequencing abilities of children in two groups. Research designIt was a prospective cross-sectional study comparing two groups. Study sampleA total of 160 children, 80 typically developing children without any visual challenges (reference group) and 80 children with congenital blindness, in the age range of 7–11 years, participated in the study. Data collection and analysisPitch pattern test (PPT), perception of speech perception in noise test in Marathi (PSIN-M), dichotic digit test in Marathi (DDT-M), and auditory memory and sequencing test in Marathi (AMST-M) were administered. Independent sample T test and Mann Whitney U test were used to compare the performance of the two groups on these tests. ResultsChildren with congenital blindness showed significantly better scores on PPT, PSIN-M, and DDT-M as compared to children in the reference group in all the age groups. A clear trend was not observed on DDT-M. ConclusionIt can be concluded that children with congenital blindness have better auditory processing, auditory memory, and sequencing abilities compared to typically developing children without any visual challenges.

Anatomical and behavioural correlates of auditory perception in developmental dyslexia.

Developmental dyslexia is typically associated with difficulties in basic auditory processing and in manipulating speech sounds. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of auditory difficulties in developmental dyslexia (DD) and their contribution to individual clinical phenotypes are still unknown. Recent intracranial electrocorticography findings associated processing of sound amplitude rises and speech sounds with posterior and middle superior temporal gyrus (STG), respectively. We hypothesize that regional STG anatomy will relate to specific auditory abilities in DD, and that auditory processing abilities will relate to behavioral difficulties with speech and reading. One hundred and ten children (78 DD, 32 typically developing, age 7-15 years) completed amplitude rise time and speech in noise discrimination tasks. They also underwent a battery of cognitive tests. Anatomical MRI scans were used to identify regions in which local cortical gyrification complexity correlated with auditory behavior. Behaviorally, amplitude rise time but not speech in noise performance was impaired in DD. Neurally, amplitude rise time and speech in noise performance correlated with gyrification in posterior and middle STG, respectively. Furthermore, amplitude rise time significantly contributed to reading impairments in DD, while speech in noise only explained variance in phonological awareness. Finally, amplitude rise time and speech in noise performance were not correlated, and each task was correlated with distinct neuropsychological measures, emphasizing their unique contributions to DD. Overall, we provide a direct link between the neurodevelopment of the left STG and individual variability in auditory processing abilities in neurotypical and dyslexic populations.

Characteristics of Speech Auditory Brainstem Response in Preschool Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of auditory processing (AP) in preschool children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) using the speech auditory brainstem response (speech-ABR), which provides insights into the AP of speech signals in the central auditory nervous system (CANS). A total of 84 preschool children diagnosed with ADHD, aged 4-6 years, were matched with 84 typically developing (TD) children based on gender and age. All children underwent speech-ABR testing, cognitive assessment using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence-Fourth Edition or the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Fourth Edition, and a continuous performance test. Children with ADHD exhibited significantly longer latencies of speech-ABR waveforms V, A, and D compared to TD children. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the latencies of speech-ABR waves V, A, and D were affected by the presence of ADHD, but not by the full-scale intelligence quotient. This study revealed that preschool children with ADHD exhibited abnormal AP of speech signals in their CANS. The findings suggest that speech-ABR can be utilized as a reliable measure to evaluate AP ability in this population, as it remains unaffected by cognitive or attentional factors. The transient response (V, A) of speech-ABR was found to be a significant predictor of ADHD in a clinical setting. Early assessment of AP abnormalities via speech-ABR is recommended in preschool-age children to develop targeted interventions for ADHD. https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26376502.

Development of the West China Tinnitus Impact Inventory and Analysis of Its Reliability and Validity.

Owing to differences in cultural background, education level, and lifestyle, certain items of existing tinnitus evaluation scales are difficult for Chinese patients to understand, despite being translated. However, few independently developed scales have been developed specifically for Chinese patients. Therefore, with this study, we aimed to construct a tinnitus scale, the West China Tinnitus Impact Inventory (WCTII), suitable for the accurate reflection of the impact and severity of the disease in this population. Basic items were obtained through semistructured interviews with patients with tinnitus. We invited 23 domestic experts on tinnitus to form an expert group. The basic items were modified using the Delphi method. Cronbach's α values for the scale scores and correlation coefficients between the items and the scale scores were calculated. Items with correlation coefficients <0.5 were deleted. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to determine the scale structure of the items remaining after item deletion. The intragroup correlation coefficient was used to assess the scale's test-retest reliability. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the scale scores and the scores for the Chinese-Mandarin version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory was used to evaluate concurrent validity. After five rounds of expert correspondence and exploratory factor analysis, we determined the content and structure of the scale. The WCTII consists of 19 items in 4 subscales, namely, F1: the impact of tinnitus on emotion (items 1 to 9); F2: the impact of tinnitus on sleep (items 10 to 12); F3: patients' beliefs about their tinnitus (items 13 to 16, 19); and F4: the impact of tinnitus on auditory processing ability (items 17 to 18). The overall Cronbach's α was 0.934. The Cronbach's α values for F1 to F4 were 0.912, 0.843, 0.829, and 0.838, respectively. The intragroup correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) of the total scale and F1 to F4 were 0.779 (0.549 to 0.886), 0.738 (0.496 to 0.860), 0.826 (0.713 to 0.897), 0.720 (0.536 to 0.836), and 0.715 (0.532 to 0.832), respectively. The correlation between the WCTII and Chinese-Mandarin version of the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores was 0.849 (p < 0.001). The WCTII yielded satisfactory reliability and validity, indicating that it can be used to assess the severity of tinnitus in Chinese patients.

Influence of auditory-based cognitive training on auditory resolution, executive function, and working memory skills in individuals with mild cognitive impairment – a pilot randomized controlled study

Background Age-related central auditory processing disorder and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) can be concomitant in older adults, making it difficult to communicate, especially in challenging listening conditions. This preliminary study investigated the efficacy of auditory-based cognitive training on the auditory processing abilities and cognitive functions of older adults with MCI. Methods In this randomized controlled trial twenty-two older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were randomly assigned to either an experimental (n=11) or a control group (n=11). The experimental group received 15 cognitive training sessions through tasks involving the auditory domain. The outcome measures of this study included auditory resolution (Temporal gap detection, frequency discrimination, and modulation detection) and cognitive measures (Trail making tests and digit recall), which were administered at three-time points (before training, post-training, and follow-up). The linear mixed model computed the effects of training on the outcome measures. Results A significant improvement was observed in the modulation detection threshold between baseline and follow-up and between post-training and follow-up sessions. However, GDT and FD thresholds did not reveal any statistically significant difference. In the trail making test, Part B showed consistent significance across the time points, whereas Part A and the delayed recall task showed no significant difference. Conclusion Auditory-based cognitive training may improve auditory processing and executive function in older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Trial registration CTRI/2019/01/017073, registered on 14.01.2019

The Role of Molecular and Cellular Aging Pathways on Age-Related Hearing Loss.

Aging, a complex process marked by molecular and cellular changes, inevitably influences tissue and organ homeostasis and leads to an increased onset or progression of many chronic diseases and conditions, one of which is age-related hearing loss (ARHL). ARHL, known as presbycusis, is characterized by the gradual and irreversible decline in auditory sensitivity, accompanied by the loss of auditory sensory cells and neurons, and the decline in auditory processing abilities associated with aging. The extended human lifespan achieved by modern medicine simultaneously exposes a rising prevalence of age-related conditions, with ARHL being one of the most significant. While our understanding of the molecular basis for aging has increased over the past three decades, a further understanding of the interrelationship between the key pathways controlling the aging process and the development of ARHL is needed to identify novel targets for the treatment of AHRL. The dysregulation of molecular pathways (AMPK, mTOR, insulin/IGF-1, and sirtuins) and cellular pathways (senescence, autophagy, and oxidative stress) have been shown to contribute to ARHL. However, the mechanistic basis for these pathways in the initiation and progression of ARHL needs to be clarified. Therefore, understanding how longevity pathways are associated with ARHL will directly influence the development of therapeutic strategies to treat or prevent ARHL. This review explores our current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of aging and hearing loss and their potential to provide new approaches for early diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of ARHL.

Concussion acutely disrupts auditory processing in division I football student-athletes

ABSTRACT Introduction Diagnosis, assessment, and management of sports-related concussion require a multi-modal approach. Yet, currently, an objective assessment of auditory processing is not included. The auditory system is uniquely complex, relying on exquisite temporal precision to integrate signals across many synapses, connected by long axons. Given this complexity and precision, together with the fact that axons are highly susceptible to damage from mechanical force, we hypothesize that auditory processing is susceptible to concussive injury. Methods We measured the frequency-following response (FFR), a scalp-recorded evoked potential that assesses processing of complex sound features, including pitch and phonetic identity. FFRs were obtained on male Division I Collegiate football players prior to contact practice to determine a pre-season baseline of auditory processing abilities, and again after sustaining a sports-related concussion. We predicted that concussion would decrease pitch and phonetic processing relative to the student-athlete’s preseason baseline. Results We found that pitch and phonetic encoding was smaller post-concussion. Student-athletes who sustained a second concussion showed similar declines after each injury. Conclusions Auditory processing should be included in the multimodal assessment of sports-related concussion. Future studies that extend this work to other sports, other injuries (e.g. blast exposure), and to female athletes are needed.

The effect of second language acquisition on central auditory processing abilities and its interaction with HIV

The effect of second language acquisition on central auditory processing abilities and its interaction with HIV

Relationship between differential auditory sensitivity and central auditory processing among musicians and nonmusicians

BackgroundMusic is the art of combining vocals or instruments to form the beauty of expression. Perception of the sounds includes two types of processing: bottom-up and top-down. Earlier studies have reported that musicians outperformed nonmusicians in the discrimination of frequency, intensity, duration, temporal processing tasks, and working memory. The present study compared musicians’ and nonmusicians’ differential sensitivity and auditory processing abilities in children and younger adults.MethodsA total of 120 participants in the age range of 9–15 years and 18–25 years were recruited for the study and were further divided into four groups: children musicians, children nonmusicians, young adult musicians, young adult nonmusicians group A, B, C, D, respectively. Each group consisted of 30 participants. Further, all the participants were assessed with Differential sensitivity tests such as DLI, DLF, DDT, GDT, and Dichotic CV.ResultsThe study revealed a high statistical difference in the DLI, DLF, DDT, GDT, and DCV, indicating that children who learned music had better scores than those who did not. A similar trend was observed for younger adults, wherein musicians scored better than nonmusicians on differential sensitivity and auditory processing abilities.ConclusionIt was observed that younger adults (musicians and nonmusicians) showed no difference in Dichotic CV, which shows that the maturation and auditory ability of the younger adults are stabilized. Hence, the present study infers that intensive musical training influences superior performance in auditory perceptual tasks.

Comparison of listening efforts in typically developing children and children with central auditory processing disorders

ObjectivesThe study's main objective was to compare Listening Effort (LE) in children with central auditory processing disorder [(C)APD] and typically developing children in quiet and at −2 and −6 dB SNR conditions. And to determine the relationship between LE and auditory processing abilities in children with (C)APD. MethodsThe study included 30 children (15 typically developing children and 15 diagnosed with (C)APD) aged 10–12 years. LE was measured using a dual-tasking paradigm. The primary task required the child to repeat the words. The second task required the child to click the mouse based on the image displayed on the laptop's screen. The primary task was done at quiet, −2 dB SNR, and −6 dB SNR conditions. LE was correlated with dichotic CV, duration pattern test, speech perception in noise - Indian English, and gap detection test in children with (C)APD. ResultsA mixed ANOVA was performed with LE in various conditions as the within-subject factor and group as the between-subject factor for both repetition and reaction time. The study found that LE repetition and reaction time had a significant main effect across conditions and groups. The correlation results revealed a significant relationship between LE reaction time with dichotic scores and GDT thresholds only at −2 dB SNR and −6 dB SNR conditions. There was no significant correlation between other auditory processing abilities and LE under different conditions, such as quiet, SPIN-IE, and DPT at −2 dB SNR and −6 dB SNR. ConclusionThe study emphasizes the importance of cognitive abilities for adequate listening comprehension in challenging situations. As a result, assessing LE in this population may provide additional information for developing therapeutic activities and assisting the child in overcoming listening difficulties.

Degradation in Binaural and Spatial Hearing and Auditory Temporal Processing Abilities as a Function of Aging.

Sensorineural hearing loss is common with advancing age, but even with normal or near normal hearing in older persons, performance deficits are often seen for suprathreshold listening tasks such as understanding speech in background noise or localizing sound direction. This suggests there is also a more central source of the problem. Objectives of this study were to examine as a function of age (young adult to septuagenarian) performance on: 1) a spatial acuity task examining lateralization ability, and a spatial speech-in-noise (SSIN) recognition task, both measured in a hemi-anechoic sound field using a circular horizontal-plane loudspeaker array, and 2) a suprathreshold auditory temporal processing task and a spectro-temporal processing task, both measured under headphones. Further, we examined any correlations between the measures.DesignSubjects were 48 adults, aged 21 to 78, with either normal hearing or only a mild sensorineural hearing loss through 4000 Hz. The lateralization task measured minimum audible angle (MAA) for 500 and 4000 Hz narrowband noise (NBN) bursts in diffuse background noise for both an on-axis (subject facing 0°) and off-axis (facing 45°) listening condition at signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) of -3, -6, -9, and -12 dB. For 42 of the subjects, SSIN testing was also completed for key word recognition in sentences in multi-talker babble noise; specifically, the separation between speech and noise loudspeakers was adaptively varied to determine the difference needed for 40% and 80% correct performance levels. Finally, auditory temporal processing ability was examined using the Temporal Fine Structure test (44 subjects), and the Spectro-Temporal Modulation test (46 subjects). Mean lateralization performances were poorer (larger MAAs) in older compared to younger subjects, particularly in the more adverse listening conditions (4000 Hz, off-axis, and poorer SNRs). Performance variability was notably higher for older subjects than for young adults. The 4000 Hz NBN bursts produced larger MAAs than did 500 Hz NBN bursts. The SSIN data also showed declining mean performance with age at both criterion levels, with greater variability again found for older subjects. Spearman rho analyses revealed some low to moderate, but significant correlation coefficients for age versus MAA and age versus SSIN results. A low but significant correlation was also observed between the most adverse MAA and SSIN conditions. Results from both the TFS and STM assessments showed decreased mean performance with aging, and revealed moderate, significant correlations, with the strongest relationship shown with the TFS test. Finally, of note, extended-high-frequency (EHF) hearing loss (measured between 9000 and 16,000 Hz) was found in older but not young subjects, and correlated with decreasing performance on several tasks. Particularly for more adverse listening conditions, age-related deficits were found on both of the spatial hearing tasks and in temporal and spectro-temporal processing abilities. It may be that deficits in temporal processing ability contribute to poorer spatial hearing performance in older subjects due to inaccurate coding of binaural/interaural timing information sent from the periphery to the brainstem. In addition, EHF hearing loss may be a coexisting factor in the reduced performance in older subjects.

Anatomical and behavioral correlates of auditory perception in developmental dyslexia.

Developmental dyslexia is typically associated with difficulties in basic auditory processing and in manipulating speech sounds. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of auditory difficulties in developmental dyslexia (DD) and their contribution to individual clinical phenotypes are still unknown. Recent intracranial electrocorticography findings associated processing of sound amplitude rises and speech sounds with posterior and middle superior temporal gyrus (STG), respectively. We hypothesize that regional STG anatomy will relate to specific auditory abilities in DD, and that auditory processing abilities will relate to behavioral difficulties with speech and reading. One hundred and ten children (78 DD, 32 typically developing, age 7-15 years) completed amplitude rise time and speech in noise discrimination tasks. They also underwent a battery of cognitive tests. Anatomical MRI scans were used to identify regions in which local cortical gyrification complexity correlated with auditory behavior. Behaviorally, amplitude rise time but not speech in noise performance was impaired in DD. Neurally, amplitude rise time and speech in noise performance correlated with gyrification in posterior and middle STG, respectively. Furthermore, amplitude rise time significantly contributed to reading impairments in DD, while speech in noise only explained variance in phonological awareness. Finally, amplitude rise time and speech in noise performance were not correlated, and each task was correlated with distinct neuropsychological measures, emphasizing their unique contributions to DD. Overall, we provide a direct link between the neurodevelopment of the left STG and individual variability in auditory processing abilities in neurotypical and dyslexic populations.

The Influence of Asymmetric Hearing Loss on Peripheral and Central Auditory Processing Abilities in Patients With Vestibular Schwannoma.

Asymmetric or unilateral hearing loss (AHL) may cause irreversible changes in the processing of acoustic signals in the auditory system. We aim to provide a comprehensive view of the auditory processing abilities for subjects with acquired AHL, and to examine the influence of AHL on speech perception under difficult conditions, and on auditory temporal and intensity processing. We examined peripheral and central auditory functions for 25 subjects with AHL resulting from vestibular schwannoma, and compared them to those from 24 normal-hearing controls that were matched with the AHL subjects in mean age and hearing thresholds in the healthy ear. Besides the basic hearing threshold assessment, the tests comprised the detection of tones and gaps in a continuous noise, comprehension of speech in babble noise, binaural interactions, difference limen of intensity, and detection of frequency modulation. For the AHL subjects, the selected tests were performed separately for the healthy and diseased ear. We observed that binaural speech comprehension, gap detection, and frequency modulation detection abilities were dominated by the healthy ear and were comparable for both groups. The AHL subjects were less sensitive to interaural delays, however, they exhibited a higher sensitivity to sound level, as indicated by lower difference limen of intensity and a higher sensitivity to interaural intensity difference. Correlations between the individual test scores indicated that speech comprehension by the AHL subjects was associated with different auditory processing mechanisms than for the control subjects. The data suggest that AHL influences both peripheral and central auditory processing abilities and that speech comprehension under difficult conditions relies on different mechanisms for the AHL subjects than for normal-hearing controls.

The Relationship Between Auditory and Cognitive Processing Abilities in Children With Specific Learning Disorders.

Specific learning disorder (SLD) refers to a pattern of learning difficulties characterized by problems with reading, writing, or mathematics that are not solely due to intellectual disabilities, sensory deficits, or other neurological or medical conditions. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects the processing and organizing of information. Auditory and cognitive processing is affected in most children with SLD, although to a varying degree. However, it is still unclear whether there exists any relationship between auditory and cognitive processing disorders in children with SLD. We tested 1,259 children, of whom 77 were diagnosed as SLD and 30 age- and gender-matched typically developing (TD) children were selected. Auditory processing abilities were assessed for auditory discrimination, pattern perception, closure, temporal processing, binaural integration, and separation using standardized tests and procedures. Cognitive processing was measured using working memory, short-term memory, and attention tasks. The test data of the TD children were taken as the norm. Based on the normative range, children with SLD were divided into those with auditory processing disorder (APD; n = 31) and those without APD (n = 46). A regression model highlighted a robust positive relationship between APD and cognitive processing, particularly pronounced in SLD with APD children. The results are discussed, supporting the information-processing theory of learning disability and highlighting a complex loop between auditory and cognitive deficits in children with SLD. The findings underscore the critical role of both auditory and cognitive abilities in children with SLD. Tailoring the intervention to break the loop is recommended, which may improve learning abilities more effectively.

Central Auditory Processing Abilities in Children with Non-Syndromic Cleft Lip/and Palate-a Behavioural Study.

The present study aimed to assess the central auditory processing abilities and working memory in children with non-syndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) and to compare with the developed normative and craniofacially normal peers. Sixteen NSCLP children aged 7 to 12 years and fifteen craniofacially normal peers were recruited in this study. Speech perception in noise Kannada (SPIN-K), gap detection threshold (GDT), dichotic consonant-vowel (DCV), and masking level difference (MLD) tests were administered to assess various central auditory processing abilities. Working memory abilities were assessed by using forward-digit span and backward-digit span tests. The results showed significant differences in SPIN-K, dichotic CV, GDT, forward digit, and backward digit span scores between children with NSCLP and craniofacially normal peers. Thus, it can be concluded from the present study that children with NSCLP have a risk of developing auditory processing deficits. To conclude, assessment of central auditory processing abilities in children with NSCLP is recommended.

Exploring CHAPS as a Potential Measurement for Auditory Processing and Cognitive Ability in Children with Hearing Loss.

The primary goal was to investigate the suitability of CHAPS for assessing cognitive abilities and auditory processing in people with hearing loss (HL), specifically in the domains of auditory processing, verbal working memory, and auditory attention. The study comprised 44 individuals between the ages of seven and 14, 22 with HL (N = 11 males) and 22 with normal hearing (N = 10 males). Individuals' auditory attention, working memory, and auditory processing skills were assessed in the study, and self-report questionnaires were used. The evaluation utilized the Sustained Auditory Attention Capacity Test (SAACT), Working Memory Scale (WMS), Filtered Words Test, Auditory Figured Ground Test (AFGT), and the Children's Auditory Performance Scale (CHAPS). Analyses were conducted, including group comparisons, correlation examinations, and receiver operating characteristic evaluations. There were significant differences in CHAPS total, attention, noise, quiet, and multiple inputs between groups. No significant differences were seen in CHAPS_ideal and CHAPS_auditory memory across groups. The study of SAACT and its subscores, WMS and its subscores, FWT, and AFGT revealed a significant difference between groups, caused by the poor performance of persons in the HL group compared to those in the NH group. The SAACT and its subscores correlated significantly with CHAPS_attention. The AUC calculation showed that The SAACT and CHAPS_attention distinguished persons with or without HL (p &lt; 0.05). WMS_STM and WMS_total correlated with CHAPS auditory memory subscale; however, WMS_VWM did not. AUC values for WMS and its subscores showed significant discrimination in identifying children with or without HL (p &lt; 0.05), whereas CHAPS_auditory memory did not (AUC = 0.665; p = 0.060). FWT and AFGT had a significant relationship with CHAPS_noise and CHAPS_multiple inputs subscales. The CHAPS_quiet and CHAPS_ideal subtests only correlated with AFGT. CHAPS_quite and CHAPS_ideal did not exhibit significant discriminative values (p &lt; 0.05) for identifying children with or without HL, while CHAPS_noise, CHAPS_multiple inputs, FWT, and AFGT did. The CHAPS_attention subscale could be a trustworthy instrument for assessing auditory attention in children with HL. However, the CHAPS_auditory memory subscale may not be suitable for testing working memory. While performance-based auditory processing tests showed improved discrimination, the CHAPS_noise and CHAPS_multiple inputs subtests can still assess hearing-impaired auditory processing. The CHAPS_quiet and CHAPS_ideal subtests may not evaluate auditory processing.

Does migraine affect central auditory processing abilities?

ObjectiveMigraine is a neurological disease associated with an altered cortical excitability level. Several studies have investigated the relationship between migraine and central auditory processing (CAP), with deficits in CAP being common among migraine patients. However, studies on the factors affecting these CAP changes observed in migraine patients are still few and controversial. This study aims to investigate CAP changes in migraine patients with Duration Pattern Test (DPT) and Frequency Pattern Test (FPT), which have not been used in previous studies. MethodsSixty subjects were divided into two groups and one migraine subgroup: control group, twenty normal healthy subjects, fourty subjects diagnosed with migraine. They were evaluated using the CAP test including DPT and FPT. To identify the variables and possible effects of the variables, a questionnaire describing the characteristics of migraine features was administered to participants with migraine. ResultsNo significant difference was found the between the control and study group in CAP tests scores. No significant correlation was found between migraine characteristics and CAP tests scores. Males had significantly higher FPT scores in both ears than females (p<0.05). Significant statistical negative correlation was found between age and FPT scores for both ears and left DPT scores (p<0.05). ConclusionAlthough migraine patients generally showed lower CAP ability than the control group, no significant difference was observed between them. This was also valid for subgroups of migraine. However, as age increased in the migraine group, a significant decrease in CAP performance was observed. It was observed that male migraine patients had better CAP ability, especially FPT scores. Migraine may affect performance in CAP depending on gender and age factors.

Association of auditory processing abilities and employment in young women

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between employment status and auditory processing abilities in women, considering the cognitive impact of work-related demands. The objective was to study the influence of employment on forward -, backward -, operation span, 2n back, and speech perception in noise (SPIN) scores.MethodsFifty-eight women aged 20 to 64 years were categorized into working and non-working groups. Auditory cognitive assessments included forward and backward digit span, auditory 2n-back, operational span, and speech perception in noise. Mental workload, listening effort, and fatigue levels were evaluated for each test using standardized scales. Handedness was assessed using the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory. Statistical analysis involved Mann–Whitney tests and effect size calculations.ResultsWorking women scored significantly higher in 2n-back task compared to non-working counterparts, emphasizing the positive impact of employment on working memory and cognitive control processes. The working women group perceptually rated greater mental load on the operational span task than non-working group, indicating the task-specific manifestation of group differences. When the tasks are easier (2n back) or difficult (operation span), employed women exhibited an advantage in auditory processing over their counterparts. ConclusionThis study reveals nuanced cognitive differences influenced by employment status in women. Working women demonstrated superior auditory processing abilities, specifically in working memory tasks, suggesting potential cognitive benefits associated with engagement in the workforce. The elevated mental workload for dual task working memory paradigms underscores the complexity of simultaneous processing and storage, highlighting cognitive challenges in specific occupational contexts.

Aging affects auditory contributions to focus perception in Jianghuai Mandarina).

Speakers can place their prosodic prominence on any locations within a sentence, generating focus prosody for listeners to perceive new information. This study aimed to investigate age-related changes in the bottom-up processing of focus perception in Jianghuai Mandarin by clarifying the perceptual cues and the auditory processing abilities involved in the identification of focus locations. Young, middle-aged, and older speakers of Jianghuai Mandarin completed a focus identification task and an auditory perception task. The results showed that increasing age led to a decrease in listeners' accuracy rate in identifying focus locations, with all participants performing the worst when dynamic pitch cues were inaccessible. Auditory processing abilities did not predict focus perception performance in young and middle-aged listeners but accounted significantly for the variance in older adults' performance. These findings suggest that age-related deteriorations in focus perception can be largely attributed to declined auditory processing of perceptual cues. Poor ability to extract frequency modulation cues may be the most important underlying psychoacoustic factor for older adults' difficulties in perceiving focus prosody in Jianghuai Mandarin. The results contribute to our understanding of the bottom-up mechanisms involved in linguistic prosody processing in aging adults, particularly in tonal languages.