Central auditory processing and migraine: a controlled study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to verify and compare central auditory processing (CAP) performance in migraine with and without aura patients and healthy controls. METHODS: Forty-one volunteers of both genders, aged between 18 and 40 years, diagnosed with migraine with and without aura by the criteria of "The International Classification of Headache Disorders" (ICDH-3 beta) and a control group of the same age range and with no headache history, were included. Gaps-in-noise (GIN), Duration Pattern test (DPT) and Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) tests were used to assess central auditory processing performance. RESULTS: The volunteers were divided into 3 groups: Migraine with aura (11), migraine without aura (15), and control group (15), matched by age and schooling. Subjects with aura and without aura performed significantly worse in GIN test for right ear (p = .006), for left ear (p = .005) and for DPT test (p < .001) when compared with controls without headache, however no significant differences were found in the DDT test for the right ear (p = .362) and for the left ear (p = .190). CONCLUSIONS: Subjects with migraine performed worsened in auditory gap detection, in the discrimination of short and long duration. They also presented impairment in the physiological mechanism of temporal processing, especially in temporal resolution and temporal ordering when compared with controls. Migraine could be related to an impaired central auditory processing. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Research Ethics Committee (CEP 0480.10) - UNIFESP.

The Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire (APDQ): Brazilian-Portuguese version.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to determine the fidelity, reliability, and internal validity of the APDQ when translated from English to Brazilian-Portuguese language. METHODS: The first phase included the APDQ translation into Brazilian-Portuguese including forward translation, translation assessment and back-translation in a group of 10 students. The second phase involved establishing the internal consistency and reliability of the APDQ Brazilian-Portuguese version. Data was collected from 66 students without any risk factor for auditory processing disorder. Subjects were divided into a younger group (7-10 yrs) and an older group (11-17 yrs). RESULTS: All items showed appropriate quality in terms of translation. In determining internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha in subscales of auditory processing, attention and language was found to be 0.93, 0.85 and 0.74, respectively. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for total score was 0.95, ensuring a strong test-retest reliability. CONCLUSION: The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the APDQ has favorable translation quality, internal validity and reliability. It is now ready for continued study as a differential screening tool for 7- to 17-year-old Brazilian children with listening difficulties who are at risk for auditory processing disorder, attention deficits and language learning challenges.

The Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire (APDQ): Brazilian-Portuguese version / Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire (APDQ): versão em português do Brasil,

Abstract Objective: The present study aimed to determine the fidelity, reliability, and internal validity of the APDQ when translated from English to Brazilian-Portuguese language. Methods: The first phase included the APDQ translation into Brazilian-Portuguese including forward translation, translation assessment and back-translation in a group of 10 students. The second phase involved establishing the internal consistency and reliability of the APDQ Brazilian-Portuguese version. Data was collected from 66 students without any risk factor for auditory processing disorder. Subjects were divided into a younger group (7-10yrs) and an older group (11-17yrs). Results: All items showed appropriate quality in terms of translation. In determining internal consistency, Cronbach's alpha in subscales of auditory processing, attention and language was found to be 0.93, 0.85 and 0.74, respectively. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient for total score was 0.95, ensuring a strong test-retest reliability. Conclusion: The Brazilian-Portuguese version of the APDQ has favorable translation quality, internal validity and reliability. It is now ready for continued study as a differential screening tool for 7- to 17-year-old Brazilian children with listening difficulties who are at risk for auditory processing disorder, attention deficits and language learning challenges.

Resumo Objetivo: Determinar a fidelidade, confiabilidade e validade interna do Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire quando traduzido do inglês para o português brasileiro. Método: A primeira fase incluiu a tradução do Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire para o português do Brasil, inclusive tradução direta, avaliação da tradução e retrotradução em um grupo de 10 estudantes. A segunda fase incluiu o estabelecimento da consistência interna e confiabilidade da versão em português do Brasil do Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire. Os dados foram coletados de 66 estudantes sem fator de risco para alteração do processamento auditivo. Os indivíduos foram divididos em um grupo mais jovem (7-10 anos) e um grupo mais velho (11-17 anos). Resultados: Todos os itens apresentaram qualidade adequada em termos de tradução. Na determinação da consistência interna, o alfa de Cronbach nas subescalas de processamento auditivo, atenção e linguagem foi de 0,93, 0,85 e 0,74, respectivamente. O coeficiente de correlação intraclasse para o escore total foi de 0,95, garantiu uma forte confiabilidade teste-reteste. Conclusão: A versão em português do Brasil do Auditory Processing Domains Questionnaire apresenta qualidade de tradução, validade interna e confiabilidade favoráveis. O questionário encontra-se agora pronto para estudos contínuos como uma ferramenta de triagem diferencial para crianças brasileiras de 7 a 17 anos com dificuldades auditivas que correm risco de transtorno de processamento auditivo, déficit de atenção e dificuldades de aprendizagem de linguagem.

Temporal resolution with click and pure tone stimuli in youngsters with normal hearing sensitivity.

PURPOSE: To assess the auditory ability of temporal resolution and to compare the random gap detection test (RGDT) versions with pure tone and clicks stimuli. METHODS: Participants were 40 young individuals of both genders with ages between 18 and 25 years, and normal hearing thresholds for the sound frequencies of 250 Hz to 8 kHz. Initially, participants were submitted to the basic audiological evaluation. Then they underwent the RGDT with pure tone and clicks stimuli. Finally, we obtained the temporal acuity threshold, which corresponds to the shorter silence interval in which the patient perceives two sounds, for each type of stimulus, called final temporal acuity threshold for pure tones (mean of the thresholds obtained for 500 Hz, 1k, 2k and 4 kHz), and temporal acuity threshold for clicks. RESULTS: The mean temporal acuity threshold for the sound frequency of 500 Hz was 7.25 ms; for the frequency of 1 kHz was 7.25 ms; for 2 kHz was 6.73 ms; for the frequency of 4 kHz was 6.03 ms. The final temporal acuity threshold was 6.72 ms. The mean temporal acuity threshold for clicks was 6.43 ms. No difference was found between the temporal acuity thresholds obtained with pure tone and clicks stimuli. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in the performance of individuals on the auditory ability of temporal resolution, regardless of the auditory stimulus used.

Acoustic stimulation effect on temporal processing skills in elderly subjects before and after hearing aid fitting.

UNLABELLED: Aging can alter temporal processing and affect speech perception. AIM: To compare temporal processing auditory processing in elderly subject to and new hearing aid users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 60 elderly patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The procedures selected were the Duration Pattern Tests (DPT) and gaps in noise (GIN) test were used to analyze the responses of correct identification, and the temporal acuity threshold before and after the fitting of hearing aids. STUDY DESIGN: clinical and experimental research with non-probability sample of convenience. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the responses from GI and GII individuals. The elderly users of hearing aids had a lower gap detection threshold, greater recognition of gaps and of discrimination of the duration pattern in relation to when they were only potential users. CONCLUSION: There was a deterioration in temporal processing skills, regardless of hearing loss degrees. Thus, the effect of acoustic stimulation by the use of a hearing aid improved resolution and temporal ordering.

Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT) performance of individuals with central auditory processing disorders from 5 to 25 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to assess the auditory temporal resolution ability in individuals with central auditory processing disorders, to examine the maturation effect and to investigate the relationship between the performance on a temporal resolution test with the performance on other central auditory tests. METHODS: Participants were divided in two groups: 131 with Central Auditory Processing Disorder and 94 with normal auditory processing. They had pure-tone air-conduction thresholds no poorer than 15 dB HL bilaterally, normal admittance measures and presence of acoustic reflexes. Also, they were assessed with a central auditory test battery. Participants who failed at least one or more tests were included in the Central Auditory Processing Disorder group and those in the control group obtained normal performance on all tests. Following the auditory processing assessment, the Random Gap Detection Test was administered to the participants. A three-way ANOVA was performed. Correlation analyses were also done between the four Random Gap Detection Test subtests data as well as between Random Gap Detection Test data and the other auditory processing test results. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the age-group performances in children with and without Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Also, 48% of children with Central Auditory Processing Disorder failed the Random Gap Detection Test and the percentage decreased as a function of age. The highest percentage (86%) was found in the 5-6 year-old children. Furthermore, results revealed a strong significant correlation between the four Random Gap Detection Test subtests. There was a modest correlation between the Random Gap Detection Test results and the dichotic listening tests. No significant correlation was observed between the Random Gap Detection Test data and the results of the other tests in the battery. CONCLUSION: Random Gap Detection Test should not be administered to children younger than 7 years old because other reduced capacities might influence their performance. Also, Random Gap Detection Test assesses a specific auditory ability, different than the one evaluated with the other auditory tests. Finally, it is suggested to test individuals at only one frequency of the Random Gap Detection Test because results provide similar information than when assessing them on all subtests.

The influence of cognitive aspects and auditory processes on the hearing aid acclimatization in the elderly.

PURPOSE: To verify the speech recognition processes in a monoaural task and in a binaural integration task with dichotic listening, and to compare them to the cognitive processing in elderly subjects pre and post hearing aid acclimatization. METHODS: Participants were 60 elderly subjects of both genders, ranging in age from 61 to 85 years. They were evaluated for cognitive aspects by means of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog). To evaluate speech processes in a monoaural task and in a binaural integration task with dichotic listening, the Percentage Index of Speech Recognition Test (PISR) and the Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) were completed before and after using the hearing aid. Data was descriptively presented and compared with non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Speech recognition at the PISR was low (mean 69.6%) and the DDT presented better digit recognition on the right ear (mean 74.1%) than on the left ear (mean 61.1%). The sample presented improved performance on speech tests after the use of hearing aids, with relevant difference between the means of the first and the second evaluations. The PISR was not correlated with cognitive aspects. The DDT was associated with both cognitive tests, especially for the left ear. CONCLUSION: All subjects were acclimatized, because there was improvement in speech recognition following the use of hearing aids. Subjects with cognitive problems present poorer performance in speech recognition processes with dichotic listening.

[Auditory processing evaluation in children born preterm]. / Avaliação do processamento auditivo em crianças nascidas pré-termo.

PURPOSE: To verify the performance of children born preterm on auditory processing evaluation, and to correlate the data with behavioral hearing assessment carried out at 12 months of age, comparing the results to those of auditory processing evaluation of children born full-term. METHODS: Participants were 30 children with ages between 4 and 7 years, who were divided into two groups: Group 1 (children born preterm), and Group 2 (children born full-term). The auditory processing results of Group 1 were correlated to data obtained from the behavioral auditory evaluation carried out at 12 months of age. The results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Subjects in Group 1 presented at least one risk indicator for hearing loss at birth. In the behavioral auditory assessment carried out at 12 months of age, 38% of the children in Group 1 were at risk for central auditory processing deficits, and 93.75% presented auditory processing deficits on the evaluation. Significant differences were found between the groups for the temporal order test, the PSI test with ipsilateral competitive message, and the speech-in-noise test. The delay in sound localization ability was associated to temporal processing deficits. CONCLUSION: Children born preterm have worse performance in auditory processing evaluation than children born full-term. Delay in sound localization at 12 months is associated to deficits on the physiological mechanism of temporal processing in the auditory processing evaluation carried out between 4 and 7 years.

Critérios de normalidade dos testes de resolução temporal: random gap detection test e gaps-in-noise / Normality tests of temporal resolution: random gap detection test and gaps-in-noise

OBJETIVO: avaliar a resolução temporal em indivíduos audiologicamente normais entre 20 e 60 anos. MÉTODOS: 40 indivíduos de ambos os sexos, de 20 aos 60 anos de idade, divididos em quatro grupos etários contendo 10 indivíduos em cada grupo: Grupo I de 20 a 30 anos; Grupo II de 31 a 40 anos; Grupo III de 41 a 50 anos e Grupo IV de 51 a 60. Todos foram submetidos a procedimentos que fazem parte da rotina audiológica para caracterizar a audição periférica, e central com destaque nos testes de resolução temporal com tons puros, o Randon-gap-detection-test, e com ruído o Gaps-in-noise. RESULTADOS: os valores médios obtidos para o limiar de detecção de gap no teste Gaps-in-noise encontram-se em torno de seis milissegundos para os grupos 1 e 2 e de oito, nos grupos 3 e 4. Verificou-se limiar de detecção de gap obtido no teste Random-gap-detection-test com valor médio de 10 milissegundos para os grupos 1 e 2 e entre 10 e 15ms nos grupos 3 e 4. CONCLUSÃO: a habilidade de resolução temporal piora com o aumento da idade. Os valores de normalidade dos testes com segmentos de ruído (teste GIN - Gaps In Noise) e tom puro (teste RGDT - Random Gap Test Detection) são crescentes de acordo com a faixa etária avaliada. .

PURPOSE: to evaluate temporal resolution of normal hearing individuals from 20 years old to 60 years old. METHODS: individuals of both genders from 20 to 60 years old have been separated by age in four groups of ten individuals per group. Group I: from 20 years old to 30 years old. Group II: from 31 years old to 40 years old. Group III: from 41 years old to 50 years old. Group IV: from 51 years old to 60 years old. All individuals were submitted to procedures of audiological routine in order to evaluate the central and peripheral hearing. After those tests, they were included in the sample and submitted to temporal resolution tests: Randon-gap-detection-test and Gaps-in-noise. RESULTS: the average values obtained for the gap detection threshold on Gaps-in-noise were around 6ms at Group I and II. For the Group III and IV these values were around 8ms. Regarding the gap detection threshold obtained on Random-gap-detection-test the average values were 10ms at Group I and II. At Group III and IV these values were between 10ms and 15ms. CONCLUSION: the temporal resolution ability worsens with increasing age. The normal values of tests with noise segments (GIN - Gaps in Noise) and pure tone (RGDT - Random Gap Detection Test) are increasing according to age range studied. .

Estudo das habilidades auditivas de resolução temporal e figura-fundo em dançarinos / Study of the auditory processes of temporal resolution and auditory figure-ground in dancers

Resumo:OBJETIVO:avaliar a habilidade auditiva de resolução temporal e de identificação de sentenças com mensagem competitiva em dançarinos.MÉTODOS:trata-se de um estudo prospectivo em que foram avaliados 40 indivíduos distribuídos em dois grupos: grupo 1 (dançarinos) e grupo 2 (não-dançarinos). Os instrumentos de avaliação do processamento auditivo utilizados foram: teste Gaps-in-noise (GIN) e teste de reconhecimento de sentenças na presença de mensagem competitiva (SSI).RESULTADOS:os limiares de gap de ambos os grupos variaram de 3 a 6 ms e não demostraram diferença estatisticamente significante na comparação entre os grupos. Houve diferença estatisticamente significante ao comparar a porcentagem de identificação de gaps entre os dois grupos, sendo que o grupo de dançarinos apresentou média maior que o grupo de não dançarinos.O teste de reconhecimento de frases em escuta monótica (rel -10dB) mostrou resultados que variaram de 50% até 100% para o grupo de dançarinos e de 40% até 100% para o de não - dançarinos. A idade de início da dança (antes ou depois dos sete anos) não influenciou no desempenho dos testes estudados. Não houve correlação entre as variáveis dos achados obtidos nos testes estudados no grupo de dançarinos considerando o tempo de dança.CONCLUSÃO:a dança influenciou positivamente a habilidade auditiva de resolução temporal, pois o grupo de dançarinos apresentou desempenho melhor do que o grupo de não-dançarinos. A dança parece não ter influenciado a habilidade auditiva de figura-fundo.

Abstract:PURPOSE:to assess the ability of auditory temporal resolution and identification of sentences with competitive message in dancers.METHODS:this is a prospective study that evaluated 40 subjects distributed in two groups: group 1 (dancers) and group 2 (non-dancers). The assessment instruments in the auditory processing were Gaps-in-noise test (GIN) and Synthetic Sentence Identification test (SSI).RESULTS:the gap thresholds of both groups ranged 3-6 ms and did not show a statistical significant difference when comparing the groups. There was a statistically significant difference when comparing the percentage of identifying gaps between the two groups, and the group of dancers had a mean higher than the group of non- dancers. The sentence recognition test in monotic (rel -10dB) showed results ranging from 50% to 100% for the group of dancers and 40% up to 100% for non-dancers. The dance early age (before or after seven years) did not influence the performance of the studied tests. There was no correlation between the variables from findings of tests studied in considering the group of dancers at dance time.CONCLUSION:dance positively influenced the auditory ability of temporal resolution, since the group of dancers had performed better than the non-dancers group. The dance did not influence the auditory ability of figure-ground.

Temporal resolution with click and pure tone stimuli in youngsters with normal hearing sensitivity / Resolução temporal com estímulos clique e tom puro em jovens com sensibilidade auditiva normal

PURPOSE: To assess the auditory ability of temporal resolution and to compare the random gap detection test (RGDT) versions with pure tone and clicks stimuli. METHODS: Participants were 40 young individuals of both genders with ages between 18 and 25 years, and normal hearing thresholds for the sound frequencies of 250 Hz to 8 kHz. Initially, participants were submitted to the basic audiological evaluation. Then they underwent the RGDT with pure tone and clicks stimuli. Finally, we obtained the temporal acuity threshold, which corresponds to the shorter silence interval in which the patient perceives two sounds, for each type of stimulus, called final temporal acuity threshold for pure tones (mean of the thresholds obtained for 500 Hz, 1k, 2k and 4 kHz), and temporal acuity threshold for clicks. RESULTS: The mean temporal acuity threshold for the sound frequency of 500 Hz was 7.25 ms; for the frequency of 1 kHz was 7.25 ms; for 2 kHz was 6.73 ms; for the frequency of 4 kHz was 6.03 ms. The final temporal acuity threshold was 6.72 ms. The mean temporal acuity threshold for clicks was 6.43 ms. No difference was found between the temporal acuity thresholds obtained with pure tone and clicks stimuli. CONCLUSION: There is no difference in the performance of individuals on the auditory ability of temporal resolution, regardless of the auditory stimulus used.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a habilidade auditiva de resolução temporal e comparar as versões do teste de detecção de intervalos aleatórios (RGDT) com estímulos do tipo tom puro e clique. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 40 indivíduos jovens com idades entre 18 e 25 anos, de ambos os gêneros e limiares auditivos normais para as frequências sonoras de 250 Hz a 8 kHz. Inicialmente, os participantes foram submetidos à avaliação audiológica básica. Posteriormente, foram submetidos ao teste RGDT com estímulos auditivos do tipo tom puro e clique. Ao final obteve-se o limiar de acuidade temporal, que corresponde ao menor intervalo de silêncio no qual o paciente percebe que está ouvindo dois sons, para cada tipo de estímulo, denominados limiar de acuidade temporal final para tons puros (média dos limiares obtidos para 500 Hz, 1k, 2k e 4 kHz), e o limiar de acuidade temporal para clique. RESULTADOS: A média do limiar de acuidade temporal para a frequência sonora de 500 Hz foi de 7,25 ms; para a frequência de 1 kHz foi de 7,25 ms; para a frequência de 2 kHz foi de 6,73 ms; para a frequência de 4 kHz foi de 6,03 ms. O limiar de acuidade temporal final foi de 6,72 ms. A média do limiar de acuidade temporal para clique foi de 6,43 ms. Não foi encontrada diferença quanto aos limiares de acuidade temporal ao comparar estímulos dos tipos tom puro e clique. CONCLUSÃO: Não há diferença no desempenho dos indivíduos para a habilidade auditiva de resolução temporal, independente do estímulo auditivo utilizado.

Efeito da estimulação acústica nas habilidades do processamento temporal em idosos antes e após a protetização auditiva / Acoustic stimulation effect on temporal processing skills in elderly subjects before and after hearing aid fitting

O envelhecimento pode ocasionar alterações no processamento temporal, afetando a percepção da fala. OBJETIVO: Comparar as respostas auditivas do processamento temporal em idosos candidatos e novos usuários de próteses auditivas. MATERIAL E MÉTODO: Participaram do estudo 60 idosos com perda auditiva neurossensorial bilateral. Os procedimentos selecionados foram o Teste Padrão de Duração e Teste de Detecção de gaps no Ruído (GIN), no qual foram analisadas as respostas de identificação correta e o limar de acuidade temporal antes e após a adaptação das próteses auditivas. Forma de Estudo: Pesquisa clínica e experimental com amostra não probabilística por conveniência. RESULTADOS: Os idosos usuários de prótese auditiva apresentaram menor limiar de acuidade temporal, maior reconhecimento de gaps e de discriminação do padrão de duração em relação ao momento em que eram candidatos. CONCLUSÃO: Houve deterioração das habilidades do processamento temporal, independentemente do grau da perda auditiva. O efeito de estimulação acústica pelo uso de prótese auditiva melhorou as habilidades de ordenação e resolução temporal.

Aging can alter temporal processing and affect speech perception. AIM: To compare temporal processing auditory processing in elderly subject to and new hearing aid users. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 60 elderly patients with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The procedures selected were the Duration Pattern Tests (DPT) and gaps in noise (GIN) test were used to analyze the responses of correct identification, and the temporal acuity threshold before and after the fitting of hearing aids. Study design: clinical and experimental research with non-probability sample of convenience. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between the responses from GI and GII individuals. The elderly users of hearing aids had a lower gap detection threshold, greater recognition of gaps and of discrimination of the duration pattern in relation to when they were only potential users. CONCLUSION: There was a deterioration in temporal processing skills, regardless of hearing loss degrees. Thus, the effect of acoustic stimulation by the use of a hearing aid improved resolution and temporal ordering.

A influência dos aspectos cognitivos e dos processos auditivos na aclimatização das próteses auditivas em idosos / The influence of cognitive aspects and auditory processes on the hearing aid acclimatization in the elderly

OBJETIVO: Verificar os processos de reconhecimento de fala em tarefa monoaural e de escuta dicótica em tarefa de integração binaural, e compará-los com o processamento cognitivo em idosos antes e após o uso de próteses auditivas. MÉTODOS: Participaram 60 idosos, de ambos os gêneros, com faixa etária entre 61 e 85 anos. Os aspectos cognitivos foram avaliados por meio do Mini-Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM) e Escala de Avaliação da Doença de Alzheimer (ADAS-Cog). Para avaliar o reconhecimento de fala em tarefa monoaural e a escuta dicótica em tarefa de integração binaural, foi utilizado o Índice Percentual de Reconhecimento de Fala (IPRF) e o Teste Dicótico de Dígitos (TDD), antes e após o uso da prótese auditiva. Os dados foram apresentados por meio da estatística descritiva e comparados por meio de testes não paramétricos. RESULTADOS: O reconhecimento de fala no IPRF foi baixo (média de 69,6%), e o TDD apresentou melhor reconhecimento de dígitos à orelha direita (média 74,1%) do que à orelha esquerda (média 61,1%). Nos testes de reconhecimento de fala, houve diferença entre as médias da primeira avaliação e da reavaliação após o uso das próteses auditivas. Não houve associação do IPRF com os aspectos cognitivos. Ocorreu associação do TDD com os dois testes cognitivos, especialmente à orelha esquerda. CONCLUSÃO: Todos os indivíduos estavam aclimatizados, pois houve melhora do reconhecimento de fala após o uso das próteses auditivas. Os indivíduos com alteração cognitiva apresentam pior desempenho no processo de reconhecimento da fala em escuta dicótica.

PURPOSE: To verify the speech recognition processes in a monoaural task and in a binaural integration task with dichotic listening, and to compare them to the cognitive processing in elderly subjects pre and post hearing aid acclimatization. METHODS: Participants were 60 elderly subjects of both genders, ranging in age from 61 to 85 years. They were evaluated for cognitive aspects by means of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale (ADAS-Cog). To evaluate speech processes in a monoaural task and in a binaural integration task with dichotic listening, the Percentage Index of Speech Recognition Test (PISR) and the Dichotic Digits Test (DDT) were completed before and after using the hearing aid. Data was descriptively presented and compared with non-parametric tests. RESULTS: Speech recognition at the PISR was low (mean 69.6%) and the DDT presented better digit recognition on the right ear (mean 74.1%) than on the left ear (mean 61.1%). The sample presented improved performance on speech tests after the use of hearing aids, with relevant difference between the means of the first and the second evaluations. The PISR was not correlated with cognitive aspects. The DDT was associated with both cognitive tests, especially for the left ear. CONCLUSION: All subjects were acclimatized, because there was improvement in speech recognition following the use of hearing aids. Subjects with cognitive problems present poorer performance in speech recognition processes with dichotic listening.

Avaliação do processamento auditivo em crianças nascidas pré-termo / Auditory processing evaluation in children born preterm

OBJETIVO: Verificar o desempenho de crianças nascidas pré-termo na avaliação do processamento auditivo, correlacioná-lo com os dados da avaliação comportamental da audição realizada aos 12 meses, e compará-lo com os resultados da avaliação do processamento auditivo de crianças nascidas a termo. MÉTODOS: Participaram 30 crianças, com idades entre 4 e 7 anos, que foram divididas em Grupo 1 (nascidas pré-termo) e Grupo 2 (nascidas a termo). Os resultados da avaliação do processamento auditivo do Grupo 1 foram correlacionados com os dados da Avaliação Comportamental da Audição realizada aos 12 meses. Foi realizada comparação dos resultados obtidos nos dois grupos. RESULTADOS: Os indivíduos do Grupo 1 apresentaram pelo menos um indicador de risco para alteração auditiva ao nascimento. Em avaliação comportamental da audição, realizada aos 12 meses, 38 por cento das crianças do Grupo 1 apresentaram risco para alteração auditiva central, e 93,75 por cento apresentaram alteração do processamento auditivo. Houve diferença entre os grupos para os resultados dos testes de ordenação temporal, PSI com competição ipsilateral e fala com ruído. Verificou-se associação entre o atraso da habilidade de localização sonora e a alteração do mecanismo de processamento temporal. CONCLUSÃO: Crianças nascidas pré-termo apresentam pior desempenho do que crianças nascidas a termo na avaliação do processamento auditivo. Há associação entre o atraso da habilidade de localização sonora aos 12 meses e a alteração do mecanismo fisiológico de processamento temporal na avaliação do processamento auditivo entre 4 e 7 anos.

PURPOSE: To verify the performance of children born preterm on auditory processing evaluation, and to correlate the data with behavioral hearing assessment carried out at 12 months of age, comparing the results to those of auditory processing evaluation of children born full-term. METHODS: Participants were 30 children with ages between 4 and 7 years, who were divided into two groups: Group 1 (children born preterm), and Group 2 (children born full-term). The auditory processing results of Group 1 were correlated to data obtained from the behavioral auditory evaluation carried out at 12 months of age. The results were compared between groups. RESULTS: Subjects in Group 1 presented at least one risk indicator for hearing loss at birth. In the behavioral auditory assessment carried out at 12 months of age, 38 percent of the children in Group 1 were at risk for central auditory processing deficits, and 93.75 percent presented auditory processing deficits on the evaluation. Significant differences were found between the groups for the temporal order test, the PSI test with ipsilateral competitive message, and the speech-in-noise test. The delay in sound localization ability was associated to temporal processing deficits. CONCLUSION: Children born preterm have worse performance in auditory processing evaluation than children born full-term. Delay in sound localization at 12 months is associated to deficits on the physiological mechanism of temporal processing in the auditory processing evaluation carried out between 4 and 7 years.

Avaliação da linguagem oral e escrita em sujeitos com Síndrome de Asperger / Language assessment in subjects with Asperger Syndrome

OBJETIVO: avaliar e caracterizar provas fonoaudiológicas de linguagem oral e escrita de sujeitos com Síndrome de Asperger comparativamente a um grupo de sujeitos com desenvolvimento típico. MÉTODOS: avaliou-se 44 sujeitos que constituíram dois grupos: o grupo Asperger, composto por 22 sujeitos diagnosticados por equipe multidisciplinar como portadores de Síndrome de Asperger, conforme os critérios do DSM-IV; e o grupo de comparação, denominado grupo de baixo risco para alterações do desenvolvimento, também com 22 participantes, pareados com os sujeitos do grupo Asperger segundo a idade cronológica. Todos os sujeitos eram do sexo masculino, com idade cronológica entre 10 e 30 anos e quociente intelectual maior ou igual a 68 e foram submetidos à Prova de Consciência Fonológica, Teste de Vocabulário por Imagem Peabody, Prova de Leitura de Palavras e Pseudopalavras, Prova de Compreensão de Leitura, Prova de Escrita sob Ditado de Palavras e Pseudopalavras, Prova de Escrita Semidirigida de Textos. RESULTADOS: a análise estatística revelou diferenças estaticamente significantes entre as medianas da prova de consciência fonológica e entre as médias do teste de vocabulário por imagem Peabody e prova de compreensão de leitura nos dois grupos estudados (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: na avaliação da linguagem oral e escrita, o grupo de sujeitos com Síndrome de Asperger caracterizou-se por um desempenho pior do que o grupo de sujeitos de baixo risco para alterações do desenvolvimento nas provas fonoaudiológicas de consciência fonológica, teste de vocabulário por imagem Peabody e prova de compreensão de leitura, o que caracteriza prejuízo em níveis fonológico, semântico e pragmático da linguagem.

PURPOSE: to evaluate and characterize the oral and written language of subjects with Asperger Syndrome and compare them with a group of subjects with typical development. METHODS: a total of 44 subjects were assessed and divided in two groups. The Asperger group was composed by 22 subjects diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome by an expert clinical team following the DSM-IV criteria. The comparison group, referred to as low risk for developmental disorders was also composed by 22 subjects matched with the subjects in Asperger group by chronological age. All the assessed subjects were right-handed males, with chronological ages between 10 and 30 years and intelligence quotients above 68 according to Wechsler Scale. They completed the following assessment tools: phonological conscience proof, image Peabody vocabulary test, words and pseudo words reading proof, reading comprehension proof, writing proof of dictated words and pseudo words, and the semi-directed text writing proof. RESULTS: the statistical analysis revealed significant statistical differences between the medians obtained for the phonological conscience proof and the means of the image Peabody vocabulary test and the reading comprehension proof in both studied groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: for the oral and written language assessments the Asperger Syndrome group was characterized by a worse performance then the one displayed by the group of subjects with a typical development in the phonological conscience proof, Peabody vocabulary test and the reading comprehension proof, indicating handicaps in the phonological, semantic and pragmatic language levels.

Síndrome de Asperger: caracterização do início da fala e do início do andar / Asperger syndrome: characterization of beginning of speech and walk

Objetivo: Caracterizar os aspectos de início da fala e do andar, em indivíduos com Síndrome de Asperger comparativamente a um grupo de indivíduos com desenvolvimento típico, usando um questionário. Outras áreas de interesse incluíram: percurso escolar, tempo de permanência na escola e recursos econômicos da família. Métodos: Avaliou-se 44 indivíduos divididos em dois grupos: o grupo Asperger, composto por 22 indivíduos anteriormente diagnosticados por equipe multidisciplinar, conforme os critérios do DSM-IV; e o grupo de comparação, denominado grupo de baixo risco para alterações do desenvolvimento, também com 22 participantes, pareados com os indivíduos do grupo Asperger segundo a idade cronológica. Todos os indivíduos eram do gênero masculino, com idade cronológica entre 10 e 30 anos e quociente intelectual maior ou igual a 68 (Escala Wechsler). O procedimento específico realizado foi a obtenção da história clínica, através do preenchimento de um questionário. Resultados: A história clínica indicou que os indivíduos do grupo Asperger apresentaram os marcos do desenvolvimento de início da fala e de andar estatisticamente mais tardio (p <0,05) do que os indivíduos do grupo de baixo risco para alterações do desenvolvimento; quanto aos antecedentes pessoais – tempo de permanência na escola e percurso escolar – observou-se que o grupo Asperger permaneceu menos tempo na escola e variou mais seu percurso escolar do que o grupo de baixo risco para alterações do desenvolvimento. Conclusão: Indivíduos com Síndrome de Asperger apresentaram alterações em aspectos do desenvolvimento e em aspectos de antecedentes pessoais quando comparados a indivíduos com baixo risco para alterações de desenvolvimento.

Purpose: Evaluate and characterize aspects of beginning of speech and walk, schooling route and economical family resources in subjects with Asperger Syndrome and compare to that of a group of subjects with a typical development. Methods: A total of 44 subjects were assessed and divided into two groups. The Asperger group was composed of 22 subjects diagnosed as having Asperger Syndrome by an expert clinical team following the DSM-IV criteria. The comparison group, called low risk for developmental disorders was also composed of 22 subjects matched to the subjects in Asperger group on chronological age. All the assessed subjects were right-handed males, with chronological ages between 10 and 30 years and intelligence quotients greater than 68 according to the Wechsler Scale. Specific procedure was the investigation of the clinical history carried out by the completion of a questionnaire. Results: The investigation of the clinical history indicated that subjects in Asperger group presented a late start in speech and walk that was statistically significant (p < 0,05) when compared to subjects in the group with typical development. The personal information – time of permanence in school (in years) and schooling course – it was observed that the Asperger group stayed in school for a shorter time and presented a more variable schooling course than the group with low risk for developmental disorders. Conclusion: The Asperger Syndrome group presented alterations on the developmental aspect and personal history when compared to a group of typically developing subject.

Processamento auditivo em indivíduos com síndrome de Asperger / Auditory processing in Asperger syndrome subjects

Objetivo: Avaliar e caracterizar o processamento auditivo em indivíduos com Síndrome de Asperger comparativamente a um grupo de indivíduos com desenvolvimento típico, em testes comportamentais com estímulos verbais e não verbais, e correlacionar os achados da avaliação de processamento auditivo e de linguagem no grupo de indivíduos com Síndrome de Asperger. Métodos: Para este trabalho, foram avaliados 44 indivíduos que constituíram dois grupos. O grupo Asperger foi composto de 22 indivíduos diagnosticados por equipe multidisciplinar como portadores de Síndrome de Asperger, conforme os critérios do DSM-IV. E, o grupo de comparação, denominado grupo de baixo risco para alterações do desenvolvimento, também foi composto de 22 participantes, pareados com os indivíduos do grupo Asperger segundo a idade cronológica. Todos os indivíduos avaliados apresentavam idade cronológica entre 10 e 30 anos; quociente intelectual maior ou igual a 68, segundo a escala Wechsler; apresentavam preferência manual direita; eram do gênero masculino; apresentavam limiares auditivos normais e foram submetidos à avaliação da linguagem oral e escrita. Os procedimentos específicos realizados foram 1) Investigação sobre a história clínica, realizada por meio da aplicação de um questionário e, 2) Avaliação do processamento auditivo que compreendeu a realização dos testes auditivos denominados: Teste de Localização Sonora, Teste de Memória para Sons Verbais e Não-Verbais em seqüência, Teste de Fala com Ruído, Teste SSW em português, Teste Dicótico Não Verbal, Teste de Padrão de Duração e Teste de Padrão de Freqüência. Resultados: Em relação à investigação sobre a história clínica, verificou-se que os indivíduos do grupo Asperger apresentaram desenvolvimento físico caracterizado pelo início da fala e início do andar estatisticamente mais tarde do que os indivíduos do grupo de baixo risco para alterações do desenvolvimento; quanto aos antecedentes pessoais - tempo de permanência na escola e percurso escolar - observou-se que o grupo...