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Central auditory processing in urban black children: a normative study
Insights
This study evaluated central auditory processing in normal Black children. Findings indicate their performance on auditory tests is comparable to white children, validating current diagnostic norms.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Central Auditory Nervous System (CANS) evaluation relies on appropriate normative data.
- Existing CANS norms may lead to misdiagnosis in urban Black children.
- This study addresses the need for culturally relevant CANS assessment standards.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if performance on CANS tests differs between normal Black and white children.
- To validate the appropriateness of current CANS norms for Black children.
- To ensure accurate auditory processing diagnosis in diverse pediatric populations.
Main Methods:
- Forty Black children (ages 7-11) with normal intellectual, functional, and behavioral profiles were recruited.
- Participants underwent comprehensive evaluation to rule out hidden handicaps.
- Performance was measured using standardized CANS tests: time compressed speech, competing sentences, filtered speech, binaural fusion, alternating sentences, and staggered spondaic words.
Main Results:
- Normal Black children's performance on the selected CANS tests was quantitatively similar to that of normal white children.
- No significant qualitative differences were observed in auditory processing between the groups.
- The study found no evidence of performance disparities based on race for the tested CANS functions.
Conclusions:
- Current CANS tests and their associated norms appear appropriate for evaluating Black children.
- The findings support the use of existing normative data, reducing the risk of inaccurate auditory diagnoses in this population.
- This research contributes to equitable audiological assessment practices for children.
Abstract:
A major issue concerning central auditory nervous system (CANS) evaluation is the appropriateness of the norms used. The use of currently available CANS norms in the evaluation of urban black children may result in inaccurate diagnosis. The subjects of this study were 40 black children who were intellectually, functionally, and behaviorally normal. Ages ranged from 7 years 4 months to 11 years 4 months. Candidates were identified by classroom teachers, then evaluated by specialists, using interviews, records, observation, and tests to identify "hidden" handicaps. Performance data were obtained on each of the age groups for the following CANS tests: time compressed speech; competing sentences; filtered speech; binaural fusion; alternating sentences; and staggered spondaic words. The results indicated that the performance of normal black children on the CANS test used in this study is not quantitatively nor qualitatively different from the performance of normal white subjects on the same tests.