Factor Analysis on Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment-2 and Listening in Spatialized Noise-Sentences Test in...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Neuroscience
• Speech and Hearing Sciences

Background:

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) assessment requires understanding specific deficits for targeted remediation.
• The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) outlines five domains for APD behavioral assessment.
• Existing test batteries like the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment-2 (MAPA-2) primarily assess the first three ASHA domains.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if the Listening in Spatialized Noise-Sentences Test (LiSN-S) factors within the first three ASHA domains or separately.
• To investigate the factor structure of APD tests in children.
• To inform the development of more comprehensive APD assessment batteries.

Main Methods:

• Fifty-one 8- and 9-year-old children with normal hearing and development participated.
• Two auditory processing disorder (APD) test batteries were administered: MAPA-2 and LiSN-S.
• Factor analysis was used to examine the test structures.

Main Results:

• The MAPA-2 demonstrated the expected three-factor structure.
• The LiSN-S did not factor within the same domains as MAPA-2.
• LiSN-S results suggest it measures binaural interaction abilities, aligning with the fourth ASHA domain.

Conclusions:

• Auditory processing abilities are sufficiently independent to warrant assessment beyond the initial three ASHA domains.
• Current APD test batteries may not capture all relevant auditory processing skills.
• Future research should explore incorporating additional factors into APD test batteries for greater efficiency and comprehensiveness.