Effects of an Auditory Lateralization Training in Children Suspected to Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Abstract

Background and ObjectivesCentral auditory processing disorder [(C)APD] refers to a deficit in auditory stimuli processing in nervous system that is not due to higher-order language or cognitive factors. One of the problems in children with (C)APD is spatial difficulties which have been overlooked despite their significance. Localization is an auditory ability to detect sound sources in space and can help to differentiate between the desired speech from other simultaneous sound sources. Aim of this research was investigating effects of an auditory lateralization training on speech perception in presence of noise/competing signals in children suspected to (C)APD.Subjects and MethodsIn this analytical interventional study, 60 children suspected to (C)APD were selected based on multiple auditory processing assessment subtests. They were randomly divided into two groups: control (mean age 9.07) and training groups (mean age 9.00). Training program consisted of detection and pointing to sound sources delivered with interaural time differences under headphones for 12 formal sessions (6 weeks). Spatial word recognition score (WRS) and monaural selective auditory attention test (mSAAT) were used to follow the auditory lateralization training effects.ResultsThis study showed that in the training group, mSAAT score and spatial WRS in noise (p value≤0.001) improved significantly after the auditory lateralization training.ConclusionsWe used auditory lateralization training for 6 weeks and showed that auditory lateralization can improve speech understanding in noise significantly. The generalization of this results needs further researches.

Envelope-based inter-aural time difference localization training to improve speech-in-noise perception in the elderly

“… 30 Based on the existing evidence, speech-in-noise perception decreases as a result of diminished localization ability. 31 - 33…”

Auditory Lateralization Training Effects on Binaural Interaction Component of Middle Latency Response in Children Suspected to Central Auditory Processing Disorder

“…MAPA study showed that DDT/PPS/mSAAT test battery can provide 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity in (C)APD diagnosis [9,29]. Results were compared to establish norms for Persian-version of DDT (free recall), mSAAT-Persian version and PPS test [19].…”

“…Auditory lateralization training was performed based on Lotfi et al [19] method and included 12 formal sessions (two 45-min sessions in each week) in the training group and performed as a game (giving a reward to correct child's response). A high pass and a low pass noise with 2 kHz cutoff point, with 250 ms duration and 20 ms rise and fall times were used.…”

“…Dillon and Cameron showed SPDs are prevalent among these children and this may cause sound source segregation problems and speech understanding difficulties in presence of competing sound sources [14,15] and may lead to poor educational performance [16]. Some studies have shown that auditory lateralization training leads to speech understanding improvement in noise [14,[17][18][19]. Lotfi et al [19] showed that auditory lateralization training improves auditory behaviors of children with suspected (C)APD including mSAAT (monaural selective auditory attention test) score and spatial WRS (word recognition score) in noise.…”

“…Some studies have shown that auditory lateralization training leads to speech understanding improvement in noise [14,[17][18][19]. Lotfi et al [19] showed that auditory lateralization training improves auditory behaviors of children with suspected (C)APD including mSAAT (monaural selective auditory attention test) score and spatial WRS (word recognition score) in noise.…”