Central Auditory Tests Research Articles

The Neural Correlates of Central Auditory Dysfunction in Chronic Tinnitus: A Multimodal Approach.

It was aimed at assessing the connection between tinnitus and central auditory dysfunction using both central auditory tests (CATs) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) for brain regions that are crucial for central auditory processing. This prospective case-control study included 15 patients with persistent tinnitus and 20 healthy volunteers as controls. They underwent CATs for memory, attention, and DTI. The Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) Questionnaire was applied as well. From several brain regions, the values of mean diffusivity (MD) and fractional anisotropy (FA) were determined. Comparing both groups, the tinnitus group showed statistically worse values as regards the CATs (memory for content, sequence memory, speech perception in noise (SPIN) at different signal-to-noise ratios, "SNRs") compared with the control group. As regards DTI, the tinnitus group showed decreased FA in several brain areas, including the cingulum, prefrontal-cortex (PFC), insula, and hippocampus. Furthermore, the tinnitus group showed significantly higher MD in the cingulum, BA-46, and amygdala compared with the control group. FA values of BA-46 were positively correlated with the SPIN-SNR-10 scores. Also, FA values of the middle cingulum were positively correlated with SPIN-SNRzero scores. MD values at BA-46 were negatively correlated with SPIN-SNR-10. THI scores were negatively correlated with FA at BA-46; however, they were positively correlated with MD at the amygdala. Central auditory dysfunction may be linked to the underlying neurophysiological changes in chronic tinnitus. Level 2 Laryngoscope, 2024.

Acoustic change complex (ACC) as a new tool in assessment of hearing aid performance in children

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical use of acoustic change complex (ACC) as an objective tool in children who use hearing aids (H.As) and explore how far ACC threshold could be correlated to behavioral measures.Study designSixty Arabic-speaking children (34 boys & 26 girls) using binaural H.As participated in the present study. Their age ranged from 6 to 12 years. The short stimulus used in the present study to elicit ACC response was “gap in tone.” Evaluation of H.As of children was performed in the form of questionnaire, aided sound field thresholds, central auditory tests, and aided/unaided cortical ACC recordings. The replicated ACC waveforms were collected and analyzed, and the aided ACC responses were compared with unaided ACC in addition to correlation of ACC-GDT to behavioral thresholds/scores.ResultsThe highest percent of ACC detectability achieved with gap in tone with 50-ms duration. Percent detectability reached 65% in aided condition and decreased to 25% in unaided test condition. The aided ACC wave morphology showed no significant difference when compared with unaided condition; however, a significant decrease in ACC latency was observed in the aided condition. The ACC response was elicited easily at 40-dB sensation levels or at MCL in both conditions. The ACC-GDT showed correlation to questionnaire scores rather than behavioral test (AFT).ConclusionsACC to relatively short duration stimulus can be successfully recorded in hearing-impaired children in aided and unaided conditions. ACC response parameters (detectability and P1 latency) can reflect the benefit from H.As as an objective measure in evaluation of young children and difficult to test subjects with the usual subjective measures, and finally, ACC-GDT may add a predictive value to questionnaire scores which may help in case of inability of parents or caregivers to fulfill the entire questionnaire items.

Central auditory functions in post-COVID-19 adults; a case control study

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the central auditory abilities in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) adults by using Central Auditory Tests (CATs). This study included a complaining group (GI), a non-complaining group (GII), and a control healthy group (GIII). All subjects were evaluated using CATsResultsResults demonstrated statistically significant differences across groups as regards Speech Perception in Noise Test (SPIN), Duration Pattern Sequence Test (DPT), Gap in Noise Test (GIN), and Memory Test (ANOVA, p-value ≤ 0.05). The post-hoc test revealed that, except for recognition memory, both study groups showed statistically significant differences from the control group. Also, significant differences were detected between both GI and GII groups regarding SPIN−10 signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), DPT, GIN threshold, memory for content, and memory for sequenceConclusionsCOVID-19 led to central auditory processing disorders (c)APD.

Examining the utility of near infrared light as pre-exposure therapy to mitigate temporary noise-induced hearing loss in humans.

This study sought to determine the effect of Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliant noise on auditory health and assess whether pre-noise near infrared (NIR) light therapy can mitigate the effects of noise exposure. Over four visits, participants (n = 30, NCT#: 03834714) with normal hearing completed baseline hearing health assessments followed by exposure to open ear, continuous pink noise at 94 dBA for 15 min. Immediately thereafter, post-noise hearing tests at 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) were conducted along with the Modified Rhyme Test (MRT), Masking Level Difference Test (MLD), and Fixed Level Frequency Tests (FLFT) [collectively referred to as the Central and Peripheral Auditory Test Battery (CPATB)] to acquire baseline noise sensitivity profiles. Participants were then randomized to either Active or Sham NIR light therapy for 30 min binaurally to conclude Visit 1. Visit 2 (≥24 and ≤ 48 h from Visit 1) began with an additional 30-min session of Active NIR light therapy or Sham followed by repeat CPATB testing and noise exposure. Post-noise testing was again conducted immediately after noise exposure to assess the effect of NIR light therapy. The remaining visits were conducted following ≥2 weeks of noise rest in a cross-over design (i.e., those who had received Active NIR light therapy in Visits 1 and 2 received Sham therapy in Visits 3 and 4). Recovery hearing tests and DPOAEs were completed at the end of each visit. Participants experienced temporary threshold shifts (TTS) immediately following noise exposure, with a mean shift of 6.79 dB HL (±6.25), 10.61 dB HL (±6.89), and 7.30 dB HL (±7.25) at 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz, respectively, though all thresholds returned to baseline at 3000, 4000, and 6000 Hz within 75 min of noise exposure. Paradoxically, Active NIR light therapy threshold shifts were statistically higher than Sham therapy at 3000 Hz (p = 0.04), but no other differences were observed at the other frequencies tested. An age sub-analysis demonstrated that TTS among younger adults were generally larger in the Sham therapy group versus Active therapy, though this was not statistically different. There were no differences in CPATB test results across Active or Sham groups. Finally, we observed no changes in auditory function or central processing following noise exposure, suggestive of healthy and resilient inner ears. In this study, locally administered NIR prior to noise exposure did not induce a significant protective effect in mitigating noise-induced TTS. Further exploration is needed to implement effective dosage and administration for this promising otoprotective therapy.

Temporal processing abilities in normal hearing individuals with tinnitus: a systematic review

PurposeTinnitus, characterized by the perception of auditory phantoms, is prevalent worldwide and can lead to a range of hearing-related issues. Understanding its influence on temporal processing helps to delineate the auditory manifestations of tinnitus. This systematic review aimed to identify the patterns of temporal processing difficulties in individuals with tinnitus and normal hearing abilities. Furthermore, this review evaluates the potential of specific measurement techniques as tools for diagnosing temporal processing deficits in tinnitus.MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in multiple international databases, followed by rigorous screening of the titles, abstracts, and full-length content. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were formulated using the Population, intervention, compression, Outcome, and Study design (PICOS) format, and the study bias was determined. After excluding irrelevant articles, nine studies were selected for the analysis.ResultsOver 50% of the selected studies demonstrated a significant impact on temporal processing in individuals with tinnitus, especially with gap detection test (GDT) and gaps in noise (GIN) tests, indicating of the deficits in peripheral temporal process in tinnitus individuals with normal hearing. However, the other central auditory tests showed no major changes.ConclusionsThe findings from this review underscore the importance of understanding temporal processing impairments in tinnitus and hold promise for enhancing the diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by tinnitus. This review highlights the potential of the GDT and GIN tests as sensitive tools for assessing temporal processing deficits in the peripheral auditory system, which in turn can manifest as central changes in temporal processing.Systematic review registrationhttp://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42021287194, Prospero [CRD42021287194].

A Systematic Review on Hearing and Balance in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease with and Without Hemodialysis.

Exploring the auditory and vestibular manifestations associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD) has been growing in recent years. Understanding these complaints in CKD patients is crucial for comprehensive patient care. This review aimed to investigate the audiological findings and profiles across various stages of CKD and guide for informed decision-making in their management. Relevant articles from PubMed, ScienceDirect, EBSCO Medline, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Clinical Key were identified for review. The selected articles were published from 2008 to 2023 and written in English language. A total of 41 articles on auditory and vestibular assessments in CKD were eligible for review. Pure tone audiometry (PTA), immittance audiometry (IA) and otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) were the most commonly employed hearing tests respectively, with a higher frequency of utilization in hemodialysis cases compared to non-hemodialysis ones. Also, vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMPs) emerged as the most popular vestibular test among hemodialysis patients while questionnaires were frequently employed in CKD patients. Moreover, our analysis suggests a potential association between the duration of hemodialysis and the development of tinnitus and vertigo. Abnormalities were also observed in auditory brainstem response (ABR), speech audiometry, central auditory processing tests and videonystagmography (VNG) assessment in hemodialysis and non-hemodialysis patients. CKD patients, particularly those undergoing hemodialysis, face a higher risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, and vestibular complaints. Performing otoacoustic emissions and vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials along with PTA on CKD patients, regardless of the disease stage is recommended to more effective management of audiovestibular complaints in these population.

Sound insights: The potential of hearables for early detection and continuous monitoring of Alzheimer’s disease

Early identification using non-invasive biological markers is crucial for detecting and treating Alzheimer's disease (AD). Hearables are intra-aural wearable devices equipped with in-ear microphones capable of capturing inner body signals, including heartbeat, breathing, and blinking. These non-verbal audio events give valuable insight into the individual's physiological state, offering a unique method to detect and monitor subtle changes in the body, which holds the potential for early disease detection. Central auditory (CA) tests, such as understanding speech in background noise, have shown promise in tracking AD’s effects on the central nervous system. They also provide sensitive, quantitative, and repeatable assessments over time. Therefore, this study will assess physiological signals captured by a hearable during central auditory assessment. Thirty-five participants with AD and mild cognitive impairment will be recruited, in addition to age-matched control participants. Hearables will be used to capture physiological data and perform CA tests such as hearing in noise test, triple digits test, dichotic digits test, and dichotic sentence identification test. Moreover, a picture description task, where participants will have to produce coherent speech that holds potential for tracking the decline in cognitive abilities, will be administered. The data collected will be used to build an open-access database serving as the foundation of future research on early detection and monitoring of AD using hearables.

Central auditory test performance predicts future neurocognitive function in children living with and without HIV.

Tests of the brain's ability to process complex sounds (central auditory tests) correlate with overall measures of neurocognitive performance. In the low- middle-income countries where resources to conduct detailed cognitive testing is limited, tests that assess the central auditory system may provide a novel and useful way to track neurocognitive performance. This could be particularly useful for children living with HIV (CLWH). To evaluate this, we administered central auditory tests to CLWH and children living without HIV and examined whether central auditory tests given early in a child's life could predict later neurocognitive performance. We used a machine learning technique to incorporate factors known to affect performance on neurocognitive tests, such as education. The results show that central auditory tests are useful predictors of neurocognitive performance and perform as well or in some cases better than factors such as education. Central auditory tests may offer an objective way to track neurocognitive performance in CLWH.

Evaluation of Central Auditory Processing in Individuals with Occupational Noise exposure

Abstract Background Prolonged exposure to high levels of occupational noise can cause damage to hair cells in the cochlea and result in permanent noise-induced cochlear hearing loss. Consequences of cochlear hearing loss on speech perception and psychophysical central auditory abilities have been well documented. Objectives the aim of this research was to explore central auditory processing in individuals with history of occupational noise exposure. Subjects and method sixty subjects aged between 20 and 50 years divided into 2 groups; control group (thirty normal healthy subjects), study group (thirty subject with history of occupational noise exposure). They were subjected to Basic audiological evaluation :Pure tone audiometry for frequencies 250-8000 Hz for air conduction and 500-4000 Hz for bone conduction, Speech reception threshold (SRT) using Arabic spondee words list (Soliman et al., 1985) and speech discrimination scores using Arabic phonetically balanced words (Soliman, 1976). And Tympanometry, central auditory processing questionnaire and Psychophysical central auditory tests that will be discussed later. Results Statistically significant difference was found between the study group and control group regarding left Dichotic digits test versionII (p = 0.020), The mean of SPIN either at Right or Left ear for study group was depressed in comparison to normal individuals, those differences were statistically highly significant (p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was a Highly statically significant difference in TCST (30%,60%), GIN test and DPT between study and control groups (p < 0.001) either at Right or Left ear. Conclusions Patients with occupational noise exposure had poor performance in all central auditory tests when compared with control. This means that occupational noise exposure can lead to impaired central auditory processing with subsequent in adults

Serious Game for the Screening of Central Auditory Processing Disorder in School-Age Children: Development and Validation Study.

Currently, many central auditory processing disorder screening tests are available for children, and serious games (SGs) are frequently used as a tool for the diagnosis of different neural deficits and disorders in health care. However, it has not been possible to find a proposal that unifies both ideas. In addition, the validation and improvement of SGs, in general, does not take into account the player-game interaction, thus omitting valuable information about the playability and usability of the game. This study presented Amalia's Planet, a game conceived for use in school environments, which allows a first assessment of a child through their performance of the proposed tasks related to different aspects of auditory performance. In addition, the game defines a series of events in relation to the execution of the tasks, which were evaluated for the subsequent optimization of its performance and the improvement of its usability. Using screening tools based on the use of SG technologies, a total of 87 school-age children were evaluated to test the various hypotheses proposed in this study. By grouping users according to whether they had personal history of hearing pathologies, the discriminant power, playability, and usability of the final solution were examined using traditional statistical techniques and process mining (PM) algorithms. With a confidence level of 80% for test 2 (P=.19), there was no statistical evidence to reject the null hypothesis that a player's performance is affected by whether the player had a previous auditory pathology. Furthermore, the tool allowed the screening of 2 players initially categorized as healthy because of their low level of performance in the tests and the similarity of their behavior with that of the group of children with a previous pathology. With regard to the validation of the proposed solution, the use of PM techniques made it possible to detect the existence of events that lasted too long, which can lead to player frustration, and to discover small structural flaws in the game. SGs seem to be an appropriate tool for the screening of children at risk of central auditory processing disorder. Moreover, the set of PM techniques provides a reliable source of information regarding the playability and usability of the solution to the development team, allowing its continuous optimization.

The Relationship between P300 and Central Auditory Processing Test Result.

Central auditory processing (CAP) refers to the perceptual processing of auditory inputs in the central nervous system and includes a series of auditory skills such as sound localization, auditory pattern recognition, and temporal sequencing which is a component of temporal processing. This skill can be assessed by frequency pattern test (FPT) and duration pattern test (DPT). Auditory attention is another skill that contributes to the CAP and can be analyzed by the P300. This study assesses the relationship between the P300 latency and the CAP test results of individuals with normal hearing. An experimental study was used in which the determined tests were applied to the participants. Thirty-four individuals with normal hearing between the ages of 20 and 40 years were included in the study. P300, FPT, and DPT were applied to the participants. The Spearman correlation test and Mann-Whitney U test were used for analysis. There were significant moderate and strong-level negative correlations between P300 latency and the scores obtained from frequency pattern and DPT (p < 0.01). We also analyzed whether P300 latency and frequency pattern and DPT scores differed according to gender and, as a result, did not find significant relationship (p > 0.05). We observed that frequency pattern and DPT scores decreased as P300 latency increased. We propose that these results could contribute to the diagnosis and follow-up process of CAP disorder by allowing P300 and CAP tests to be cross-checked.

Effect of central auditory processing disorders on contralateral routing of offside signals (CROS) hearing aids performance

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess central auditory processing (CAP) tests in patients with single sided deafness (SSD)and to study the effect of central auditory processing disorders(CAPD) on the contralateral routing of signal (CROS) hearing aid performance in these subjects. Design This case-control study was performed in Audiovestibular unit, ENT Department. The study included 20 children with SSD and 20 healthy control children. All participants were subjected to CAP tests including pitch pattern sequence (PPS), gap in noise (GIN) and speech intelligibility in noise (SPIN) tests. The child was fitted with CROS and evaluated by SPIN test and bern benefit in single - sided deafness (BBSS) questionnaire. Results There were lower SPIN, PPS, and GIN total correct scores in children with SSD than the control group. The group with normal central test battery has higher SPIN score and significant performance with questionnaire when fitted with CROS. Conclusions Children with normal central auditory processing test battery performed better when fitted with CROS than those with abnormal test battery.

A Central Auditory Test reveals differences between drug treatment regimens in adults living with HIV

Objective This exploratory study examined whether central auditory tests show differences between people living with HIV (PLWH) treated with two predominant antiretroviral drug therapy (ART) regimens. Design Cross-sectional. Study Sample 253 PLWH (mean age 39.8 years) from the Shanghai Public Health Clinical Centre, China. Methods The Hearing in Noise Test speech reception threshold (SRT) assessed central auditory function and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) assessed cognition. The relationship between ART regimen and SRT was evaluated with multivariable linear regression incorporating age, HIV duration, and peripheral hearing ability. Multivariable logistic regression was used to ascertain if SRT and ART regimen predicted MoCA impairment. Results The two predominant ART regimens differed by one drug (zidovudine or tenofovir). Participants taking the zidovudine-containing regimen had poorer SRT performance (p=.012) independent of age and hearing thresholds. MoCA scores did not differ between drug regimens, but a negative relationship was found between SRT and MoCA impairment (p=.048). Conclusions ART regimens differed in their association with central auditory test performance likely reflecting neurocognitive changes in PLWH taking the zidovudine-containing regimen. Central auditory test performance also marginally predicted cognitive impairment, supporting further assessment of central auditory tests to detect neurocognitive deficits in PLWH.

Habilidades auditivas em adultos jovens com e sem percepção de zumbido: um estudo de comparações

ABSTRACT Purpose Objective: To analyze auditory information processing responses in young adult subjects with tinnitus disorder. Methods A descriptive and quantitative study was conducted, involving 36 subjects aged between 19 and 35 years. The subjects were divided into two groups: Group 1 (20 subjects with chronic tinnitus) and Group 2 (16 subjects without tinnitus). All participants underwent medical history assessment, Visual Inspection of the External Auditory Canal, Pure-Tone Audiometry, Speech Audiometry, Acoustic Immittance Measures, and used Behavioral Central Auditory Processing Tests as an evaluation tool - Dichotic Digits Test (TDD), Frequency Pattern Test, Speech in Noise, Masking Level Difference, and Gap in Noise (GIN). Results Statistically significant differences were found between the groups for TDD responses in the left ear and for GIN in both ears. Conclusion Young adults with chronic tinnitus exhibit impairments in binaural integration and temporal resolution skills.

Temporal Auditory Processing, Speech Recognition, and P300 in Adults with Opioid Use Disorders Attributed to Tramadol

Background: Tramadol is a centrally acting opioid with an analgesic effect. Prolonged chronic pain management with tramadol and tramadol misuse may cause opioid use disorder attributed to tramadol (OUD-T). Evidence from pathophysiologic mechanisms of OUD-T raised the probability for central auditory processing abnormalities. Objectives: To our knowledge, no available studies evaluate the underlying pathology. Consequently, this study was designed to evaluate speech recognition, auditory temporal processing, auditory neurocognitive function in these patients. Materials and Methods: This work comprised a study group of 19 males with OUD-T and a control group of 19 participants, both with an age range of 20-40 years. All participants were subjected to (1) basic audiological evaluation, (2) psychoacoustic central auditory tests to assess auditory figure ground (speech intelligibility in noise) and temporal processing (Gaps-In-Noise and pitch pattern sequence), and (3) P300 neurocognitive potential. Results: OUD-T showed statistical significant depressed scores of speech in noise and pitch pattern sequence tests in comparison to the control group. In addition a statistically significant elevated GIN test approximate threshold and depressed total score was present in OUD-T. As regards P300, there was statistically significant difference between the control and the study group in latency and amplitude. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of speech in noise, temporal processing, and neurocognitive evaluation in adults with opioid use disorder attributed to tramadol.

Construction and Standardization of the Syrian Version of the Word Recognition Test for Children with Hearing Impairment

Background and Aim: This study aimed to construct and validate the test material of speech recognition test for children. Such a material helps in conducting the speech tests for native Arab children with Syrian accent. This work is a part of a complete project on preparing and validating the necessary materials for speech and central auditory processing tests for the Arabic Syrian community. Methods: In this cross-sectional comparative study, two sets of phonetically balanced monosyllabic word lists were constructed. The two selected 25-monosyllabic word lists were presented to 50 normal hearing participants with the age range of 5 to 10 years. Tests of validity and reliability were conducted to assure the suitability of this material for the word recognition test. The test was repeated for the same children after three weeks. Results: The two word lists have shown high face and content validity, Cronbach`s alpha coefficient was 0.79, 0.85 for the two lists respectively. Factor validity has shown that the test materials are one-dimensional, the first factor achieved 57.25 and 53.13 of the variance. Test- retest reliability (p&lt;0.001) and Intraclass Correlation Coefficients reliability (p&lt;0.001) were also significant. Conclusion: The data analysis shows that the Syrian version of the word recognition test has high degree of validity and reliability. Therefore, developing the Syrian version of the scale has good psychometric properties, which makes it appropriate for the local use. Keywords: Speech discrimination test; monosyllabic; arabic; syrian accent

Long-term follow-up of Egyptian adolescents and young adults with Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)

Objective: To study the long-term follow up of young adolescents and adults formerly diagnosed with central auditory processing disorders. Design: An Arabic version of the University of Cincinnati Auditory Processing Inventory questionnaire (UCAPI) was developed and standardized on normal Arabic speaking adolescents and adults. It was applied to patients with auditory processing disorders (APD) in order to evaluate the long-term outcome of APD subjectively. Moreover, psychophysical central auditory tests(Arabic speech in noise test, Arabic dichotic digit test, pitch pattern test, auditory fusion test and auditory memory tests were used as Objective measure for monitoring long term outcome. Results: Standardization to the developed Arabic version of UCAPI questionnaire was done in the control group. Comparing scores of the study and control groups, independent t test showed highly statistically significant differences on all questionnaire categories. Normal composite score of psychophysical central retest results in the study group was 63.3%. Conclusion: APD is a life-long disorder. In spite of the marked improvement of the central test results, patients show residual functional deficit as evidenced by the questionnaire. The Arabic version of UCAPI Questionnaire is a good and efficient tool diagnosing and monitoring APD in adolescents and adults.

Changes in the peripheral and central auditory performance in the elderly—A cross‐sectional study

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL, formerly presbycusis) is due to a variety of lifetime damages to the auditory system and is characterized by bilateral sensorineural hearing loss, impaired speech understanding in noise and central sound processing deficits. Despite its commonness, the pathogenesis has not been completely clarified yet; especially the existence of an independent central ARHL component still remains controversial. We present the results of a cross-sectional topodiagnostic test battery study which aimed at separating aging- and hearing loss-related effects on all parts of the auditory system by current test procedures. Three groups of 30 participants each underwent extensive topodiagnostic test procedures (otoscopy, tympanometry, questionnaires, pure-tone audiometry, DPOAE threshold measurements, auditory brainstem response, central auditory discrimination tests, and speech-in-noise test). By comparing the results of the normally hearing young (18-26 years) and healthy control group, the normally hearing elderly group (60-80 years) and the hearing-impaired elderly group (60-80 years), we deduced aging and hearing loss-related effects on auditory performance. All measurements indicated a significant deterioration of auditory performance in the elderly, partly associated with aging and partly with age-related hearing loss. Our study thereby contributes to a multifocal concept of ARHL. All parts of the auditory system are impaired by aging, age-related hearing loss, or a combination of both. Further evidence for an independent central ARHL component, not attributable to peripheral hearing loss, is provided by the results of the central auditory discrimination test.

Auditory and language skills in children with cleft lip and palate

Objectivesto investigate auditory and language skills in children with repaired cleft lip and palate. MethodsThe sample was composed of 22 children registered at the hospital where the study was conducted, seven to nine years old, 50% being female, with repaired unilateral cleft lip and palate (right or left), without associated malformations. Auditory skills were assessed using four central auditory processing tests: Random Gap Detection Test, Dichotic Digit Test, Dichotic Non-Verbal Test, Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test. Language performance was evaluated by four standardized instruments: Illinois Psycholinguistic Skills Test, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Token Test and Phonological Skills Profile. The association between auditory and language skills was evaluated by the Fisher exact test at a significance level of 5% (p<.05). ResultsThe central auditory processing tests evidenced that only one child presented adequate performance in all skills analysed, five children presented impaired performance in all skills, and 16 exhibited deteriorations in one to three auditory skills, highlighting that temporal resolution was the most impaired skill (81%). Concerning language, three children presented adequate performance in all tests applied, and Visual Association and Auditory Association were the most impaired skills (40%). No association was observed between deteriorations in auditory and language skills. ConclusionThere was high occurrence of impairment of auditory skills, which compose the central auditory processing, as well as of language skills, with greatest impairment of receptive language.

Auditory Processing Skills in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Aim: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is neurological disease of the central nervous system. Central auditory nervous system can also be affected by MS. The present study aimed to evaluate monaural and binaural auditory processing in patients with MS. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 patients with MS and 45 normal peers as controls aged 25–45 years. They underwent a central auditory processing test battery including the Persian versions of Buffalo model questionnaire (BMQ), staggered spondee word (SSW) test, quick speech in noise test (QSIN), phonemic synthesis test (PST), and two- pair dichotic digit test (DDT). Results: The results of SSW test, QSIN test, PST, DDT and BMQ in the MS group were significantly different than in the control group (p≤0.001). The results showed the poor performance of patients compared to controls in some monaural and binaural auditory processing skills. Conclusion: Central auditory processing disorder is common among patients with MS. The BMQ is a suitable screening tool for identifying affected people. Dichotic listening skills, phonemic processing and speech perception in noise are impaired in MS patients which can have significant impacts on their quality of life. Keywords: Auditory processing; multiple sclerosis, central auditory nervous system; adults; speech perception