Auditory Processing Disorders: Navigating the Diagnostic Maze of Central Hearing Losses

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Audiology
• Speech and Hearing Sciences

Background:

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) involves impaired auditory processing despite normal hearing.
• Current clinical protocols for APD lack standardization, hindering evidence-based intervention development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review APD research developments from 2011 to 2025.
• To examine diagnostic criteria, assessment protocols, and treatment effectiveness for APD.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of Medline, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases (Jan 2011-Jan 2025).
• Analysis of 156 articles following PRISMA guidelines, using chi-square and t-tests for statistical comparisons.
• Independent screening by two reviewers.

Main Results:

• Rehabilitative interventions (n=52) were significantly more common than medical interventions (n=4) for APD.
• Cognitive skill enhancement (52.8%) and computer-based rehabilitation (26.4%) were dominant strategies.
• The Random Gap Detection Test and Dichotic Digits Difference Test were frequently used assessment tools.

Conclusions:

• A significant imbalance exists between medical and rehabilitative interventions for APD.
• Standardized diagnostic protocols and multidisciplinary collaboration are essential for APD research and treatment.
• Future research should focus on large-scale trials and unified diagnostic criteria for APD.