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Effect of auditory training on the middle latency response in children with (central) auditory processing disorder
E Schochat1, F E Musiek, R Alonso
1Departamento de Fisioterapia, Fonoaudiologia e Terapia Ocupacional, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.
Insights
Auditory training significantly improved middle latency response amplitudes in children with auditory processing disorder, normalizing results compared to controls. This suggests electrophysiological measures can aid in diagnosing and treating (C)APD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Central auditory processing disorder [(C)APD] affects auditory information processing.
- Middle latency responses (MLR) are electrophysiological measures sensitive to auditory pathway function.
- Understanding MLR in children with (C)APD is crucial for diagnosis and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine MLR characteristics in children with (C)APD.
- To investigate the effects of auditory training on MLR in children with (C)APD.
- To compare MLR in children with and without (C)APD.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MLR-evoked potential testing on children aged 8-14.
- Assessed 30 children with (C)APD undergoing an 8-week auditory training program.
- Included a control group of 22 children without (C)APD for comparison.
Main Results:
- Children with (C)APD initially showed lower C3-A1 and C3-A2 MLR wave amplitudes than controls.
- Following auditory training, MLR amplitudes (C3-A1 and C3-A2) in the (C)APD group significantly increased.
- Post-training MLR amplitudes in the (C)APD group were comparable to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Auditory training effectively improved MLR amplitudes in children with (C)APD.
- MLR shows potential as an electrophysiological tool for diagnosing and monitoring treatment of (C)APD.
- These findings support the use of auditory training and electrophysiological assessment in managing (C)APD.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to determine the middle latency response (MLR) characteristics (latency and amplitude) in children with (central) auditory processing disorder [(C)APD], categorized as such by their performance on the central auditory test battery, and the effects of these characteristics after auditory training. Thirty children with (C)APD, 8 to 14 years of age, were tested using the MLR-evoked potential. This group was then enrolled in an 8-week auditory training program and then retested at the completion of the program. A control group of 22 children without (C)APD, composed of relatives and acquaintances of those involved in the research, underwent the same testing at equal time intervals, but were not enrolled in the auditory training program. Before auditory training, MLR results for the (C)APD group exhibited lower C3-A1 and C3-A2 wave amplitudes in comparison to the control group [C3-A1, 0.84 microV (mean), 0.39 (SD--standard deviation) for the (C)APD group and 1.18 microV (mean), 0.65 (SD) for the control group; C3-A2, 0.69 microV (mean), 0.31 (SD) for the (C)APD group and 1.00 microV (mean), 0.46 (SD) for the control group]. After training, the MLR C3-A1 [1.59 microV (mean), 0.82 (SD)] and C3-A2 [1.24 microV (mean), 0.73 (SD)] wave amplitudes of the (C)APD group significantly increased, so that there was no longer a significant difference in MLR amplitude between (C)APD and control groups. These findings suggest progress in the use of electrophysiological measurements for the diagnosis and treatment of (C)APD.
