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Central auditory processing in elderly with mild cognitive impairment
Tomader Taha Abdel Rahman1, Somaia Tawfeek Mohamed, Mohamed Hasan Albanouby
1Department of Geriatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt. tomelhagyn@hotmail.com
Aim:
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.
Methods:
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.
Results:
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.
Conclusion:
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.
Insights
Central auditory processing is impaired in individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Specific tests like the dichotic digit test show promise for detecting MCI with high accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage between normal aging and dementia.
- Auditory processing deficits may be an early indicator of cognitive decline.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if central auditory processing is affected in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).
- To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of central auditory processing tests in detecting MCI.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 150 elderly individuals with MCI and 150 healthy controls matched for age, sex, and hearing thresholds.
- Participants underwent comprehensive audiological assessments, including central auditory processing tests such as the dichotic digits test and pitch pattern sequences test.
Main Results:
- Patients with MCI demonstrated significantly lower scores on central auditory processing tests compared to controls (P < 0.05).
- The dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test, and recognition memory test showed sensitivities of 76.6%, 71.7%, and 70.4%, respectively.
- Specificities for these tests were 56.2%, 81.2%, and 92.2%, respectively, with combined use yielding 82.8% sensitivity and 93.2% specificity.
Conclusions:
- Central auditory processing deficits are present in individuals with mild cognitive impairment.
- The dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test, and recognition memory test are valuable tools for detecting MCI due to their high sensitivity and specificity.
