Influence of cognitive functions on central auditory processing tests in university students

To analyze the influences of cognitive functions on central auditory processing (CAP) tests in university students, through a brief neuropsychological assessment.

Observational, analytical, cross-sectional study with 95 undergraduate and postgraduate students aged 18 to 39 years. They underwent otoscopy, basic audiological evaluation, behavioral assessment of auditory processing using the Speech-in-Noise, Pitch Pattern Sequence (PPS), Duration Pattern Sequence (DPS), Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT), Masking Level Difference (MLD), Dichotic Digits Test (DDT), and neuropsychological assessment using the Brief Neuropsychological Assessment Instrument (NEUPSILIN). The chi-square test analyzed the association of variables, followed by a logistic regression model to estimate the odds ratio between variables with statistical significance.

There were statistically significant associations between the RGDT result, attention, and verbal fluency, and between the DDT and working memory. Moreover, abnormal verbal fluency increases the odds of abnormal RGDT results by 4.7 times, and abnormal working memory and problem-solving increase the odds of abnormal DDT results by 8 times and 6.6 times, respectively.

Working memory, attention, cognitive planning, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility particularly influenced the temporal resolution and dichotic listening tests. Further research may expand this reflection on the interpretative analysis of CAPD tests and diagnosis.