Pitch Pattern Sequence Test Research Articles

Performance of children with mild or moderate sensory hearing loss on central auditory tests

Hearing is fundamental to the development of successful language skills. Deficits in hearing acuity and auditory processing (AP) can profoundly obstruct effective communication. Our study aimed to evaluate the performance of children with mild and moderate sensory hearing loss (HL) on central AP tests. The study included 50 children: 10 children with normal hearing who were used as controls; 20 children with mild sensory HL; and 20 children with moderate sensory HL. Both male and female children were equally represented. All children underwent otoscopic examination, pure tone audiometry, tympanometry, and acoustic reflex measurements. Questionnaires on central AP disorders, dyslexia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder were answered by the parents. Screening tests for AP abilities [pitch pattern sequence test, speech perception in noise (SPIN) right SPIN, left SPIN, dichotic digit test] were conducted. All children were then examined with the full versions of the previous tests in addition to auditory fusion test − revised, masking level difference test, binaural fusion test, competing sentence test, and low pass-filtered test. Arabic-version dyslexia assessment was carried out for those who failed the tests. The study revealed that children with mild and moderate HL who failed the screening tests also failed the full version tests, and when tested by the Arabic-version dyslexia assessment test, dyslexia was found as a comorbid condition.

Achados audiológicos e comportamentais em crianças submetidas à miringoplastia bilateral - um estudo comparativo

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar os resultados pré-cirúrgico da avaliação audiológica de crianças submetidas à intervenção cirúrgica para inserção de tubos de ventilação bilateral; analisar o tempo de permanência do tubo de ventilação e avaliar o processamento auditivo, após a intervenção cirúrgica. Métodos: 79 escolares, entre oito e 12 anos, foram divididos em dois grupos: 1 - 40 escolares sem antecedentes de otite média e 2 - 39 estudantes com histórico de otite média submetidos à cirurgia para inserção de tubos de ventilação bilateral. Todas as crianças foram submetidas à avaliação audiológica e avaliação do processamento auditivo. Resultados: na avaliação auditiva pré-cirúrgica todos os pacientes apresentaram resultados do tipo condutivo. O tempo médio de permanência do tubo de ventilação foi de 11,8 meses. A orelha esquerda apresentou desempenho estatisticamente inferior nos testes dicótico de dígitos e padrão de frequência. Os escolares do grupo 2 apresentaram desempenho estatisticamente inferior quando comparados ao grupo 1 nos testes Dicótico de Dígitos e Detecção de Intervalos no Ruído. Conclusão: as crianças com histórico de otite média nos primeiros anos de vida apresentaram respostas do tipo condutivo na avaliação pré-cirúrgica e respostas inferiores nos testes dicóticos de dígitos e Detecção de Intervalos no Ruido.

Auditory Processing Assessment in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: An Open Study Examining Methylphenidate Effects.

Introduction Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can present Auditory Processing (AP) Disorder. Objective The study examined the AP in ADHD children compared with non-ADHD children, and before and after 3 and 6 months of methylphenidate (MPH) treatment in ADHD children. Methods Drug-naive children diagnosed with ADHD combined subtype aging between 7 and 11 years, coming from public and private outpatient service or public and private school, and age-gender-matched non-ADHD children, participated in an open, non-randomized study from February 2013 to December 2013. They were submitted to a behavioral battery of AP tests comprising Speech with white Noise, Dichotic Digits (DD), and Pitch Pattern Sequence (PPS) and were compared with non-ADHD children. They were followed for 3 and 6 months of MPH treatment (0.5 mg/kg/day). Results ADHD children presented larger number of errors in DD (p < 0.01), and less correct responses in the PPS (p < 0.0001) and in the SN (p < 0.05) tests when compared with non-ADHD children. The treatment with MPH, especially along 6 months, significantly decreased the mean errors in the DD (p < 0.01) and increased the correct response in the PPS (p < 0.001) and SN (p < 0.01) tests when compared with the performance before MPH treatment. Conclusions ADHD children show inefficient AP in selected behavioral auditory battery suggesting impaired in auditory closure, binaural integration, and temporal ordering. Treatment with MPH gradually improved these deficiencies and completely reversed them by reaching a performance similar to non-ADHD children at 6 months of treatment.

Remediation of central auditory processing disorders in children with learning disability: a comparative study

Objective The primary objective of this study was to compare the outcome of central auditory processing rehabilitation when using two different strategies. In the first strategy, the computer-based remediation program was used (temporal processing and phonemic awareness training). In the second strategy, the informal remediation program was used (temporal processing and phonemic awareness training). Patients and methods Fifty children with learning disability due to central auditory processing disorder were selected from primary schools in Assiut city. They were subjected to psychophysical test battery. It comprised dichotic digits test, pitch pattern sequence test, and electrophysiological test (cortical P1). They were divided into two equal groups, groups A and B. Each group was subdivided on the basis of age into three subgroups. Group A received the formal Auditory Training (AT) and group B received the informal AT for a minimum duration of 2 months. Re-evaluation of those children was carried out using the same test battery used in the diagnosis. Results The children were evaluated 1 month after training. There was a statistically significant difference in all psychophysical tests and electrophysiological P1. Subjective improvement was noticed also at the level of the questionnaire and school reports. Conclusion Both formal and informal remediation material used in this study proved to be effective and promising auditory training strategy for ameliorating central auditory disorder by remodeling the plasticity of the CANS.

Effects of tonal language background on tests of temporal sequencing in children

Objective: The aims of the present study were to determine the effects of language background on the performance of the pitch pattern sequence test (PPST) and duration pattern sequence test (DPST). As temporal order sequencing may be affected by age and working memory, these factors were also studied. Design: Performance of tonal and non-tonal language speakers on PPST and DPST were compared. Study sample: Twenty-eight native Mandarin (tonal language) speakers and twenty-nine native Malay (non-tonal language) speakers between seven to nine years old participated in this study. Results: The results revealed that relative to native Malay speakers, native Mandarin speakers demonstrated better scores on the PPST in both humming and verbal labeling responses. However, a similar language effect was not apparent in the DPST. An age effect was only significant in the PPST (verbal labeling). Finally, no significant effect of working memory was found on the PPST and the DPST. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the PPST is affected by tonal language background, and highlight the importance of developing different normative values for tonal and non-tonal language speakers.

Screening for auditory processing performance in primary school children.

A deficit in the processing of auditory information may underlie problems in understanding speech in the presence of background noise, degraded speech, and in following spoken instructions. Children with auditory processing disorders are challenged in the classroom because of ambient noise levels and maybe at risk for learning disabilities. 1) Set up and execute screening protocol for auditory processing performance (APP) in primary school children. 2) Construct database for APP in the classroom. 3) Set critical limits for deviant performance. Our hypothesis is that screening for APP in the classroom identifies pupils at risk for auditory processing disorders. Study consisted of two phases. Phase 1: 2,015 pupils were selected from fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-graders using stratified random sampling with the proportional allocation method. Male and female students were equally represented. Otoscopic examination, screening audiometery, and screening tests for auditory processing (AP) abilities (Pitch Pattern Sequence Test [PPST], speech perception in noise [SPIN] right, SPIN left, and Dichotic Digit Test) were conducted. A questionnaire emphasizing auditory listening behaviors (ALB) was answered by classroom teacher. Phase 2 included 69 pupils who were randomly selected based on percentile scores of phase 1. Students were examined for the corresponding full version AP tests in addition to Auditory Fusion Test-Revised and masking level difference. Intelligence quotient and learning disabilities were evaluated. Phase 1: Results are displayed in frequency polygons for10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, and 90th percentiles score for each AP test. Fourth-graders scored significantly lower than fifth- and sixth-graders on all tests. Males scored lower than females on PPST. A composite score was calculated to represent a summed score performance for PPST, SPIN right ear, SPIN left ear, and Dichotic Digit Test. Scores <10th percentile were chosen to describe the poorest performance on screening. Performance was graded from 0 to 4 according to composite score; a score of 4 refers to scores <10th percentile on all four tests, while a 0 score designates performance ≥ the 10th percentile on all tests. ALB questionnaire scores of the sample screened varied significantly with sex and grade. Statistical analysis of phase 2 showed no statistical difference between mean score for Group 0 and clinic norms on all AP tests. Group 1 showed consistent poor performance in both the screening and full version SPIN test. Group 2 scored significantly lower on all screening tests, but not significantly different in some of the full version tests. Groups 3 and 4 showed significantly worse performance than clinic norms on all screening and full version tests. Auditory Fusion Test-Revised mean thresholds were statistically higher for groups with composite scores from 1 to 4. Masking level difference mean score was only significantly different for Group 4. ALB questionnaire results correlated to composite score categories. Dyslexia was a comorbid condition with Groups 2-4. AP skills in primary education maybe classified as robust abilities that endure challenging listening conditions, vulnerable abilities that manifest in challenging conditions, and poor abilities that manifest in even the best listening conditions. Composite score concept provides adequacy in grading AP skills.

The study of central auditory processing in stuttering children

Abstract There are evidences that indicate a relationship between auditory processing disorders and stuttering. The aim of the study was to evaluate central auditory processing in stuttering children and to compare the findings with those of normal fluent children. Twenty stuttering school-age children of both sexes were included in the study. A control group included 20 age-matched and sex-matched nonstuttering children. Full informed consent from all participants was taken before initiating the study. All participants were subjected to the following central auditory processing tests: pitch pattern sequence test (PPST), dichotic digit test (DDT), speech in noise test (children version) (SPIN), auditory fusion test revised (AFT-R), and binaural masking level difference (MLD) test. All patients were subjected to stuttering severity instrument III to assess their stuttering and its severity. The stuttering group scored significantly poorer in the PPST, DDT, and SPIN, whereas they scored similar to the control group in MLD and AFT-R. There was no correlation between the severity of stuttering and the performance on the central auditory processing tests. Stuttering children have an intact brain stem integrity shown by the normal MLD and an intact right hemisphere as signified by the normal right and left ear difference in the DDT and by the improvement in the PPST on humming. Left hemisphere deficit appears in more complicated tasks such as PPST, DDT, and SPIN, but not in simple tasks such as AFT-R. We can conclude that the deficit is within the left cerebral hemisphere. The effect of the usage of central auditory processing disorder rehabilitation programs on those children should further be assessed.

Central auditory processing outcome after stroke in children.

To investigate central auditory processing in children with unilateral stroke and to verify whether the hemisphere affected by the lesion influenced auditory competence. 23 children (13 male) between 7 and 16 years old were evaluated through speech-in-noise tests (auditory closure); dichotic digit test and staggered spondaic word test (selective attention); pitch pattern and duration pattern sequence tests (temporal processing) and their results were compared with control children. Auditory competence was established according to the performance in auditory analysis ability. Was verified similar performance between groups in auditory closure ability and pronounced deficits in selective attention and temporal processing abilities. Most children with stroke showed an impaired auditory ability in a moderate degree. Children with stroke showed deficits in auditory processing and the degree of impairment was not related to the hemisphere affected by the lesion.

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

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.

Xylene-Induced Auditory Dysfunction in Humans

Animal data indicate that xylene induces cochlear dysfunction, characterized by the loss of outer hair cells. There is little evidence regarding xylene-induced ototoxicity in humans. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of xylene on the peripheral and central auditory system in humans. A total of 30 medical laboratory workers who had been exposed to a mixture of xylene isomers, together with 30 nonexposed control participants matched for gender, age, and educational level were selected. Participants of both groups were not exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA time-weighted average. All participants were evaluated with a comprehensive audiological test battery, which included measures of peripheral and central auditory function. Peripheral auditory measures included pure-tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Behavioral measures of central auditory function included a pitch pattern sequence test, an adaptive test of temporal resolution, a dichotic digit test, and a masking level difference test. The auditory brainstem response was used to objectively evaluate the function of the auditory pathways at the brainstem level. Speech perception in quiet and in noise was evaluated using the Hearing In Noise Test (HINT). The xylene-exposed participants were extensively evaluated with regard to their exposure to both noise and xylene. Noise dosimetry was conducted over an 8-hr work shift to obtain noise-exposure levels for each xylene-exposed worker. Airborne xylene concentrations were obtained at 11 different workstations throughout the medical laboratories, and methyl hippuric acid levels per gram of creatinine in urine were obtained for each xylene-exposed subject. Finally, a detailed interview exploring current and past solvent and noise exposure was conducted. The xylene-exposed participants showed significantly worse pure-tone thresholds in comparison with the nonexposed participants. The xylene-exposed participants demonstrated significantly worse results than the control group participants for the pitch pattern sequence test, dichotic digit test, HINT, and the auditory brainstem response (absolute and interpeak latencies). No significant differences between the xylene-exposed and nonexposed participants were observed for distortion product otoacoustic emissions, adaptive test of temporal resolution, or the masking level difference test. A significant correlation between the concentrations of methyl hippuric acid in urine and pure-tone thresholds (2 to 8 kHz) was found in xylene-exposed workers. Also, participants with high cumulative dose of xylene exposure presented with poorer test results than participants with low cumulative dose of xylene exposure. The results of the present research suggest that xylene is associated with adverse central auditory effects and poorer sound detection abilities in humans. A major limitation of the study is that the results found among xylene-exposed participants cannot be proved to be permanent, and thus further research should be conducted to clarify this limitation. Workers exposed to this chemical should be routinely evaluated with a comprehensive audiological test battery, to detect early signs of auditory dysfunction.

(Central) Auditory Processing: the impact of otitis media

OBJECTIVE:To analyze auditory processing test results in children suffering from otitis media in their first five years of age, considering their age. Furthermore, to classify central auditory processing test findings regarding the hearing skills evaluated.METHODS:A total of 109 students between 8 and 12 years old were divided into three groups. The control group consisted of 40 students from public school without a history of otitis media. Experimental group I consisted of 39 students from public schools and experimental group II consisted of 30 students from private schools; students in both groups suffered from secretory otitis media in their first five years of age and underwent surgery for placement of bilateral ventilation tubes. The individuals underwent complete audiological evaluation and assessment by Auditory Processing tests.RESULTS:The left ear showed significantly worse performance when compared to the right ear in the dichotic digits test and pitch pattern sequence test. The students from the experimental groups showed worse performance when compared to the control group in the dichotic digits test and gaps-in-noise. Children from experimental group I had significantly lower results on the dichotic digits and gaps-in-noise tests compared with experimental group II. The hearing skills that were altered were temporal resolution and figure-ground perception.CONCLUSION:Children who suffered from secretory otitis media in their first five years and who underwent surgery for placement of bilateral ventilation tubes showed worse performance in auditory abilities, and children from public schools had worse results on auditory processing tests compared with students from private schools.

Does reduced frequency selectivity in children with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss affect frequency discrimination in Mismatch Negativity and Pitch Pattern Sequence Tests?

Objective: Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) results in reduced sensitivity, abnormal growth of loudness, reduced frequency selectivity and reduced temporal resolution (). Our aim was to study frequency discrimination abilities in children with SNHL using the psychophysical Pitch Pattern Sequence Test (PPST) and an electrophysiological measure, the Mismatch Negativity Test (MMN). Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that included 90 children, ages ranging from 6 - 12 years, divided into a study group of 60 children with mild to moderate SNHL and a control group of 30 normal hearing children. Both groups were subdivided into 3 subgroups according to age. Results: Subgroups of children with SNHL showed statistically significant poorer scores on the PPST than their well-matched controls. Although MMN can be elicited in children with mild to moderate degree of SNHL, its latency was prolonged. The older control subgroups did not show any statistically significant better scores on the PPST; MMN latencies we...

Efeitos da reabilitação auditiva na habilidade de ordenação temporal em idosos usuários de próteses auditivas

To analyze the effects of an auditory rehabilitation program for the temporal ordering ability, of duration and pitch patterns of sounds, in elderly hearing aids users. Participants were 17 elderly people, with ages between 60 and 84 years, divided into Control Group (CG), which only used hearing aids, and Study Group (SG), which were submitted to an auditory rehabilitation program that included auditory counseling and training. All subjects were assessed at the beginning and at the end of the study, through the Duration Pattern Sequence and Pitch Pattern Sequence tests. The period between assessments was seven weeks. In the Duration Pattern Sequence test, CG subjects showed mean values of accuracy in the murmured condition of 48.64 and 54.43%, for initial and final assessments, respectively; SG subjects, presented 60.39 and 76.28%. In the named condition, CG presented 51.93 and 52.43%, and SG, 63.94 and 77.44% for initial and final assessments, respectively. In the Pitch Pattern Sequence test, CG subjects showed mean values of accuracy in the murmured condition of 80.62 and 79.94%, and SG subjects, of 79.78 and 90.39%, for initial and final assessments, respectively. In the named the condition, CG presented 82.64 and 84.21%, and SG, 82.94 and 85.89%, for initial and final assessments. There was a difference only for SG subjects in the murmured and named conditions of the Duration Pattern Sequence test, in the named condition of the Pitch Pattern Sequence test, indicating higher mean values in the final assessment. The auditory rehabilitation program to elderly hearing aid users provide satisfactory improvement in recognition, temporal ordering, and naming of duration and pitch patterns of sounds.

Processamento temporal de crianças com transtorno fonológico submetidas ao treino auditivo: estudo piloto

This study compared the temporal processing performance of children with phonological disorders submitted to formal and informal auditory training. Fifteen subjects with phonological disorder (pure tone thresholds ≤20 dBHL from 0.50 to 4 kHz, and age between 7 years and 10 years and 11 months) were evaluated, divided into three groups: five subjects (mean age 9.1 years) without auditory processing disorder, who passed through two evaluations of the auditory processing at intervals of six to eight weeks and without any intervention; Formal Training Group with five subjects (average 8.3 years) with auditory processing disorder submitted to eight sessions of formal training; and Informal Training Group, with five subjects (average 8.1 years) with auditory processing disorder submitted to eight sessions of informal training. After eight sessions the formal training group showed an improvement of 8% and the informal training group of 22.5% in comparison with the pitch pattern sequence test. For the duration pattern sequence test, the average of the formal training group improved by 12.9% and the informal training group by 18.7%. There was no statistical difference between the means obtained by both groups after intervention, neither in the pitch pattern nor in the duration pattern sequence test. Although the results did not present significant differences, this pilot study suggests that both formal and informal trainings provide improvement in the temporal processing abilities of children with phonological and auditory processing disorders.

Central auditory processing in elderly with mild cognitive impairment

The aim of the present study was to assess if central auditory processing affected patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or not and to assess sensitivity and specificity of central auditory processing tests in detection of MCI. This was a case-control study conducted at the Geriatrics Department and Audiology Unit, Ain Shams University Hospital. Participants were 150 elderly diagnosed as MCI compared with 150 normal subjects, based on a neuropsychological diagnostic test battery, the Cambridge Cognitive Examination (CAMCOG), and who were matched for age, sex and average threshold of hearing. Both cases and control groups were subjected to otological examination, immittancemetry, pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and central auditory processing assessment by the use of a selective auditory attention test, dichotic digits test, auditory fusion test, pitch pattern sequences test and auditory memory battery of Goldman-Fristoe-Woodcock. The MCI group scored significantly lower than the control group in central auditory processing tests (P < 0.05). Sensitivity of dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test and recognition memory test were 76.6%, 71.7% and 70.4%, respectively, while specificity were 56.2%, 81.2% and 92.2%, respectively. When the previous three tests were used together the sensitivity and specificity were 82.8% and 93.2%, respectively. Central auditory processing was affected in MCI patients. The dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test and recognition memory test can be used in detection of MCI with high sensitivity and specificity.

Habilidades de ordenação e resolução temporal em crianças com desvio fonológico

OBJETIVO: verificar o desempenho de crianças com transtornos fonológicos em testes de ordenação e resolução temporal. MÉTODOS: a amostra foi composta por 12 indivíduos, de ambos os gêneros, com idade entre 5 e 13 anos, com diagnóstico de desvio fonológico. Os indivíduos foram submetidos à anamnese, meatoscopia, audiometria tonal via aérea e óssea, PCC (porcentagem de consoantes corretas), e o RGDT (teste de detecção de gaps) e o PPS (teste de padrão de sequência). RESULTADOS: em relação ao grau de severidade, verificou-se que 67% apresentaram desvio fonológico médio e 33% médio-moderado. Em relação aos testes RGDT e PPS, os sujeitos apresentaram respostas dentro dos padrões normativos estabelecidos pela literatura, em ambos os testes. Na comparação entre o desempenho no teste PPS e o grau de severidade, observou-se que quanto maior o grau de severidade, pior o desempenho do indivíduo no teste, o mesmo não foi observado em relação ao RGDT. CONCLUSÕES: a amostra estudada apresentou desempenho adequado nos testes de processamento temporal. Entretanto, os resultados evidenciaram que existe uma relação estatisticamente significante entre a severidade do desvio e o desempenho no teste PPS, demonstrando a influência da severidade do desvio no desempenho dos indivíduos, considerando a habilidade de ordenação temporal.

Effects of Age and Working Memory Capacity on Pitch Pattern Sequence Test and Dichotic Listening

This study assessed the effects of age and working memory capacity on dichotic listening and temporal sequencing. Double Dichotic Digit Test (DDT), Pitch Pattern Sequence Test (PPST) and Digit Span Test were administered on 40 healthy adults with hearing thresholds of not greater than 30 dB HL across octave frequencies from 250 to 4000 Hz. Twenty young (20–30 years old) and 20 older (50–65 years old) adults were included in the study. Results showed that the older group had significantly lower scores in DDT, PPST and working memory capacity measures than the young subjects. Working memory capacity was positively correlated with PPST but not with DDT, suggesting that DDT might be more auditory-modality-specific than PPST.

Processamento auditivo de militares expostos a ruído ocupacional

OBJETIVO: avaliar o processamento auditivo de militares expostos a ruído ocupacional. MÉTODOS: foram avaliados 41 militares, com exposição a ruído superior a 10 anos, subdivididos em Grupo A (n =16), sem perda auditiva e Grupo B (n = 25), com perda auditiva. Foram realizadas avaliação audiológica básica e testes de processamento auditivo (testes de Fala Filtrada, SSW em Português e de Padrão de Freqüência). RESULTADOS: observou-se altas incidências de alteração de processamento auditivo, especialmente no teste de Fala Filtrada (43,75% e 68% nos grupos A e B, respectivamente) e teste de Padrão de Freqüência (68,75% e 48%, nos grupos A e B, respectivamente). O teste SSW não se mostrou eficiente para avaliar as habilidades auditivas centrais de indivíduos expostos a elevados níveis de pressão sonora. CONCLUSÃO: a exposição a ruído ocupacional interfere no processamento auditivo de militares. As alterações na via auditiva central podem ser verificadas independente da presença de alteração auditiva periférica.

Central Auditory Processing Effects Induced by Solvent Exposure

Various studies have demonstrated that organic solvent exposure may induce auditory damage. Studies conducted in workers occupationally exposed to solvents suggest, on the one hand, poorer hearing thresholds than in matched non-exposed workers, and on the other hand, central auditory damage due to solvent exposure. Taking into account the potential auditory damage induced by solvent exposure due to the neurotoxic properties of such substances, the present research aimed at studying the possible auditory processing disorder (APD), and possible hearing difficulties in daily life listening situations that solvent-exposed workers may acquire. Fifty workers exposed to a mixture of organic solvents (xylene, toluene, methyl ethyl ketone) and 50 non-exposed workers matched by age, gender and education were assessed. Only subjects with no history of ear infections, high blood pressure, kidney failure, metabolic and neurological diseases, or alcoholism were selected. The subjects had either normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss, and normal tympanometric results. Hearing-in-noise (HINT), dichotic digit (DD), filtered speech (FS), pitch pattern sequence (PPS), and random gap detection (RGD) tests were carried out in the exposed and non-exposed groups. A self-report inventory of each subject's performance in daily life listening situations, the Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap, was also administered. Significant threshold differences between exposed and non-exposed workers were found at some of the hearing test frequencies, for both ears. However, exposed workers still presented normal hearing thresholds as a group (equal or better than 20 dB HL). Also, for the HINT, DD, PPS, FS and RGD tests, non-exposed workers obtained better results than exposed workers. Finally, solvent-exposed workers reported significantly more hearing complaints in daily life listening situations than non-exposed workers. It is concluded that subjects exposed to solvents may acquire an APD and thus the sole use of pure-tone audiometry is insufficient to assess hearing in solvent-exposed populations.

Reconhecimento de padrão temporal e escuta dicótica em descendentes de japoneses, falantes e não-falantes da língua japonesa

A exposição de um indivíduo a duas línguas diferentes poderia trazer benefícios ao desenvolvimento auditivo. OBJETIVO: Analisar o comportamento auditivo em testes de reconhecimento de padrões temporais (Teste de Padrão de Freqüência e de Duração) e de escuta dicótica de dissílabos familiares (Teste Dicótico de Dígitos) e não-familiares (Teste Dicótico de Dissílabos Alternados/ SSW em português) em descendentes de japoneses, que moram no Brasil, falantes ou não da língua japonesa, comparando-os ao desempenho de brasileiros não-descendentes de orientais e que não possuem contato com o idioma japonês. MÉTODO: 60 sujeitos, com idade entre 17 e 40 anos, escolaridade superior ao terceiro ano do Ensino Médio, reunidos em três grupos: GJJ, descendentes de japoneses falantes do português Brasileiro e do Japonês; GJP, descendentes de japoneses falantes do português e não-falantes do Japonês; GBP, não-descendentes de orientais falantes do português. Foram submetidos a um questionário e aos testes de processamento temporal quanto à freqüência (TPF) e duração (TPD), teste dicótico de dígitos (TDD) e SSW. RESULTADOS: GJJ e GJP apresentaram melhor desempenho no TPF em relação ao TPD e tiveram no TPF média de acertos maior do que o grupo GBP. O grupo GJJ, no teste SSW apresentou média de acertos significantemente superior ao GJP e ao GBP. CONCLUSÃO: A experienciação auditiva fornecida pelo bilingüismo (idioma japonês e português brasileiro) facilitou o desempenho no SSW.