Auditory Processing and Speech Sound Disorders: Behavioral and Electrophysiological Findings.
Konstantinos Drosos1, Paris Vogazianos2, Dionysios Tafiadis3
1School of Sciences, Speech and Language Therapy, European University Cyprus, 2404 Nicosia, Cyprus.
Audiology Research
|September 22, 2025
Summary
Children with Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs) struggle with hearing in noise. Auditory processing screening in real-world listening situations is the strongest predictor of SSDs, highlighting the need for ecologically valid assessments.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Developmental Psychology
Background:
- Children with Speech Sound Disorders (SSDs) exhibit challenges in speech perception, particularly in noisy environments.
- Auditory processing evaluation typically involves behavioral and electrophysiological measures.
- This study investigated auditory processing in children with SSDs compared to typically developing (TD) peers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the auditory processing profiles of children with SSDs and TD children.
- To identify key factors differentiating these groups using behavioral and electrophysiological data.
- To explore the diagnostic relevance of real-world listening behaviors in SSDs.
Main Methods:
- Forty Greek Cypriot children (7-10 years old) participated, with 24 diagnosed with SSDs and 16 as TD controls.
- Assessments included parent questionnaires, language, phonology, auditory processing tests, and auditory evoked responses.
- Data analysis involved comparing factors derived from these assessments.
Main Results:
- Auditory processing screening (Factor 1), phonological awareness (Factor 5), and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) wave V latency (Factor 13) significantly differentiated children with SSDs from TD children.
- Factor 1 (auditory processing screening) was the most consistent predictor of SSD classification.
- A correlation between phonological awareness and ABR wave V latency suggested potential interaction between brainstem auditory processing and phonological skills.
Conclusions:
- Integrating behavioral and physiological measures is crucial for diagnosing SSDs.
- Ecologically valid auditory processing screening, focusing on real-world listening, is a strong predictor of SSDs.
- Findings support incorporating auditory processing assessments into speech and language pathology interventions for children with SSDs.
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