Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 23, 2026

Quantitative Assessment of Cortical Auditory-tactile Processing in Children with Disabilities
Published on: January 29, 2014
Spectral ripple discrimination in children with auditory processing disorder
Sangamanatha Ankmnal Veeranna1, Chris Allan1,2, Ewan Macpherson1,2
1National Centre for Audiology, Western University , London , Canada.
Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine developmental trends in spectral ripple discrimination (SRD) and to compare the performance of typically developing children to children with auditory processing disorder (APD). Study design: Cross-sectional study. Study sample: Fifteen children with APD, as well as 17 typically developing children and 14 adults reporting no listening or academic difficulties participated. Results: Typically developing children showed poor SRD thresholds compared to adults, indicating prolonged maturation of spectral shape recognition. Both typically developing children and APD children showed a maturational trend in SRD, but a General Linear Model fit to their thresholds showed that children with APD displayed SRD thresholds that were significantly poorer than those of typically developing children when controlling for age. This suggests that in APD children, SRD maturation lags behind typically developing children. Conclusion: Poor spectral ripple discrimination may explain some of the listening difficulties experienced by children with APD.
Related Concept Videos
Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
The Auditory Ossicles
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
Generalization, Discrimination, and Extinction
Generalization occurs when a behavior reinforced in one context is performed in similar situations. For instance, a student who studies diligently for calculus and receives excellent grades might apply the same study habits to psychology and history, expecting similar results. Generalization shows how learning in one setting can influence behavior in...
Auditory Pathway
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking...
Auditory Perception
Intrinsically Disordered Proteins

