Auditory assessment and central auditory processing script for preschool children

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Developmental Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology

Background:

• Early identification of auditory processing disorders is crucial for children's development.
• Existing screening tools for central auditory processing in preschoolers are limited.
• Auditory and language development are interconnected in early childhood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a comprehensive assessment script for observing hearing and central auditory processing in preschool-aged children.
• To address the gap in available screening instruments for this age group.

Main Methods:

• A literature search was conducted in Scielo databases and a university library.
• Keywords included "central auditory processing," "hearing and language," and "auditory processing disorders."
• The script was developed based on selected articles and books, incorporating questions on auditory and language development.

Main Results:

• The developed script comprises eight distinct sections.
• These sections cover identification, anamnesis, maternal/pregnancy information, complaints, auditory, language, and motor development.
• It also includes a simplified auditory processing evaluation and behavioral audiological assessment.

Conclusions:

• The created assessment script is essential due to the scarcity of comprehensive tools for central auditory processing in preschoolers.
• It facilitates a thorough investigation of auditory and language development in children aged 43-47 months.
• The script supports early detection and intervention for auditory processing challenges.