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Updated: Apr 23, 2026
Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
Central auditory processing disorder profile in premature and term infants
Sanjiv B Amin1, Mark Orlando2, Christy Monczynski2
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Golisano Children's Hospital at Strong, The University of Rochester, New York.
Insights
Children born prematurely show distinct central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) profiles compared to term-born children. Premature birth is linked to differences in specific CAPD tests, suggesting varied causes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric audiology
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Neonatal outcomes
Background:
- Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) affects auditory information processing.
- Premature birth is a known risk factor for various developmental challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the CAPD profiles of children born prematurely versus those born at term.
- To identify potential differences in auditory processing abilities based on birth status.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 60 children (7-13 years) diagnosed with CAPD.
- Data collected from parental reports and medical records over 3 years.
- CAPD diagnosis based on scores ≥ two standard deviations below the mean on at least two tests.
Main Results:
- Premature children exhibited a higher number of failed CAPD tests.
- Increased incidence of abnormal Phonemic Synthesis test (PST) in premature group.
- Decreased incidence of abnormal Staggered Spondaic Word test (SSW) in premature group.
- Higher prevalence of cesarean section and neonatal jaundice in premature children.
Conclusions:
- Premature children present a different CAPD profile compared to term-born children.
- Neonatal jaundice and differential susceptibility may contribute to altered PST and SSW performance in premature children.
- Findings suggest distinct etiological pathways for CAPD in premature populations.
Objective:
The aim of this study is to compare central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) profile between children born prematurely and at term.
Methods:
A retrospective study involving children 7 to 13 years of age who were referred for CAPD evaluation over the past 3 years. Parental reports and medical records were used to collect information. Children with a score ≥ two standard deviations below the mean for at least one ear on at least two different CAPD tests were considered to have CAPD.
Results:
A total of 82 children were evaluated for CAPD of which 22 met exclusion criteria, resulting in 60 children with CAPD (15 premature and 45 term). Premature children had higher prevalence of cesarean section delivery and neonatal jaundice compared with term children. Premature children had a higher total number of failed CAPD tests compared with the term children. Among CAPD tests, there was an increased frequency of abnormal Phonemic Synthesis test (PST) and decreased frequency of abnormal Staggered Spondaic Word test (SSW) among premature children compared with term children.
Conclusion:
Premature children differ in CAPD profile compared with term children. Findings suggest possible etiological differences for CAPD such as jaundice or differential susceptibility of premature children for altered PST and SSW performance when compared with the term children.
