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Published on: February 14, 2014
Dichotic Digits Test Performance Across the Ages: Results From Two Large Epidemiologic Cohort Studies
Mary E Fischer1, Karen J Cruickshanks, David M Nondahl
11Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; 2Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA; and 3Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
Age, sex, education, hearing loss, and cognitive impairment significantly impact Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) performance in adults. These factors explained 22.7% of the variability in free recall scores, highlighting their importance in central auditory processing assessment.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Neuropsychology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) is a tool for assessing central auditory processing.
- Limited data exists on general population DDT performance.
- Understanding factors influencing DDT scores is crucial for accurate interpretation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) performance.
- To analyze DDT performance across a broad adult age range.
- To establish normative data for DDT in a general population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 3655 participants from the Epidemiology of Hearing Loss Study (EHLS) and Beaver Dam Offspring Study (BOSS).
- Dichotic Digits Test (free and right ear-directed recall) administered at 70 dB HL.
- Pure-tone audiometry and Mini-Mental State Examination used to assess hearing loss and cognitive impairment.
Main Results:
- Mean free recall DDT score was 76.7%; mean right ear-directed recall score was 98.4%.
- Age, male sex, lower education, moderate/marked hearing loss, and cognitive impairment were associated with lower free recall scores.
- These factors accounted for 22.7% of the total variability in free recall DDT scores.
Conclusions:
- Significant variability exists in free recall DDT scores, influenced by age, sex, education, hearing loss, and cognitive status.
- Right ear-directed recall DDT shows limited variability, suggesting it may not be optimal for general population central auditory processing assessment.
- Further research into factors affecting free recall DDT variability is warranted.
