Auditory temporal resolution and backward masking in musicians with absolute pitch.

Among the many questions regarding the ability to effortlessly name musical notes without a reference, also known as absolute pitch, the neural processes by which this phenomenon operates are still a matter of debate. Although a perceptual subprocess is currently accepted by the literature, the participation of some aspects of auditory processing still needs to be determined. We conducted two experiments to investigate the relationship between absolute pitch and two aspects of auditory temporal processing, namely temporal resolution and backward masking. In the first experiment, musicians were organized into two groups according to the presence of absolute pitch, as determined by a pitch identification test, and compared regarding their performance in the Gaps-in-Noise test, a gap detection task for assessing temporal resolution. Despite the lack of statistically significant difference between the groups, the Gaps-in-Noise test measures were significant predictors of the measures for pitch naming precision, even after controlling for possible confounding variables. In the second experiment, another two groups of musicians with and without absolute pitch were submitted to the backward masking test, with no difference between the groups and no correlation between backward masking and absolute pitch measures. The results from both experiments suggest that only part of temporal processing is involved in absolute pitch, indicating that not all aspects of auditory perception are related to the perceptual subprocess. Possible explanations for these findings include the notable overlap of brain areas involved in both temporal resolution and absolute pitch, which is not present in the case of backward masking, and the relevance of temporal resolution to analyze the temporal fine structure of sound in pitch perception.

Tradução, validação cultural e semântica do cognitive reserve index questionnaire (CRIq) o português brasileiro / Cognitive reserve index questionnaire (CRIq) - translation, cultural and semantic validation for Brazilian portuguese

Introdução: A reserva cognitiva pode explicar diferentes respostas do indivíduo após acidentes ou doenças que acometem o sistema nervoso central. É importante ter instrumentos que avaliem tal reserva, não só para serem utilizados quando ocorrem problemas, mas também para avaliar indivíduos de forma profilática, visando o estabelecimento de programas de estimulação cognitiva. Objetivo: Obter a equivalência semântica e cultural do Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) para o português brasileiro. Método: o questionário foi traduzido por dois tradutores independentes, do italiano para o português brasileiro. Após, foi produzida uma versão única, sintetizada, que foi retrotraduzida para o italiano, novamente por outros dois tradutores, independentes e sem conhecimento das traduções anteriores. A partir das traduções e retrotraduções, foi desenvolvida uma versão semanticamente aceitável para o português, que foi aplicada a 30 pessoas (grupo piloto). A partir desta aplicação foi criada uma nova versão, adaptada culturalmente para o português brasileiro. Resultados: As adaptações foram feitas especialmente na seção que avalia atividades laborativas ao longo da vida (CRIq trabalho) e principalmente no CRI tempo livre. Acredita-se que tais mudanças foram necessárias devido às diferenças culturais no que se refere às atividades realizadas como lazer por italianos e brasileiros. Os resultados obtidos no grupo piloto evidenciaram que houve correlação entre a RC, a idade (r=0,92, p=0,02*) e a escolaridade (r=0,70, p=0,00*). Conclusão: o Cognitive Reserve Index questionaire (CRIq) está traduzido e adaptado para o português brasileiro, sendo uma ferramenta útil para os profissionais que atuam na área, especialmente quando são avaliados indivíduos idosos.(AU)

Introduction: Cognitive reserve can explain the differences among patients' responses after accidents or diseases that affect the central nervous system. It is important to have instruments that assess this reserve, not only to address problems but also to provide individual prophylactic measures through the establishment of cognitive stimulation programs. Objective: To produce the semantic and cultural equivalent of the Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) in Brazilian Portuguese. Method: The questionnaire was translated by two independent translators, from Italian to Brazilian Portuguese. Afterward, a single, synthesized version was produced and two other independent translators, who were unaware of the previous translations, back-translated it into Italian. From the translations and backtranslations, a semantically acceptable version was produced in Brazilian Portuguese and tested on 30 participants (pilot group). Based on this test, a new version was created that was culturally adapted to Brazilian Portuguese. Results: The section that evaluates work activities throughout life (CRIq work) required the most adaptation, particularly CRIq free time. Such changes may have been necessary due to cultural differences in leisure activities between Italians and Brazilians. The results obtained in the pilot group showed that there was a correlation between CR, age (r = 0.92, p = 0.02 *) and education (r = 0.70, p = 0.00 *). Conclusion: The Cognitive Reserve Index questionnaire (CRIq) has been appropriately translated and adapted into Brazilian Portuguese and may serve as a useful tool for health care professionals, especially those who assess elderly individuals.(AU)

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.

Vestibular System Eletrophysiology: An Analysis of the Relationship between Hearing and Movement

Abstract Introduction Knowledge about the positive effects that music and dance bring, in its various forms, to the healthy human brain, is important not only in the context of basic neuroscience but may also strongly affect practices in neurorehabilitation. Objective To verify the relationship between hearing and movement and, specifically, to analyze the interference of professional dance practice and formal musical training in the magnitude of the vestibule-cervical and vestibular reflexes. Method The sample consisted of 92 subjects, aged between 18 and 35 years old, 31 professional musicians, 31 ballet dancers, and 30 control subjects. Only subjects with normal hearing sensitivity were included. Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) was recorded in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) was recorded in the lower oblique muscle of the eye, using tone-bursts (500Hz). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskall-Wallis tests were performed. Results The cVEMP presented earlier and higher amplitude waves when recorded in the group of dancers, with a significant difference between all tested groups for latency and amplitude of the N23 wave; the comparison was restricted between dancers and control groups, with no difference between ballet dancers and musicians. The N1 wave of the oVEMP presented lower latencies in dancers than in musicians and controls (p= 0.001). No significant differences were found between the groups for the P1 wave. Conclusion Greater magnitudes of vestibule-cervical reflex responses and faster vestibule-ocular reflex responses were observed in dancers. Dance practice provides greater development of the vestibular system, but musical training also contributes to the magnitude of these responses.

Vestibular System Eletrophysiology: An Analysis of the Relationship between Hearing and Movement.

Introduction Knowledge about the positive effects that music and dance bring, in its various forms, to the healthy human brain, is important not only in the context of basic neuroscience but may also strongly affect practices in neurorehabilitation. Objective To verify the relationship between hearing and movement and, specifically, to analyze the interference of professional dance practice and formal musical training in the magnitude of the vestibule-cervical and vestibular reflexes. Method The sample consisted of 92 subjects, aged between 18 and 35 years old, 31 professional musicians, 31 ballet dancers, and 30 control subjects. Only subjects with normal hearing sensitivity were included. Cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potential (cVEMP) was recorded in the sternocleidomastoid muscle, and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (oVEMP) was recorded in the lower oblique muscle of the eye, using tone-bursts (500Hz). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Kruskall-Wallis tests were performed. Results The cVEMP presented earlier and higher amplitude waves when recorded in the group of dancers, with a significant difference between all tested groups for latency and amplitude of the N23 wave; the comparison was restricted between dancers and control groups, with no difference between ballet dancers and musicians. The N1 wave of the oVEMP presented lower latencies in dancers than in musicians and controls ( p = 0.001). No significant differences were found between the groups for the P1 wave. Conclusion Greater magnitudes of vestibule-cervical reflex responses and faster vestibule-ocular reflex responses were observed in dancers. Dance practice provides greater development of the vestibular system, but musical training also contributes to the magnitude of these responses.

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.

Central Auditory Processing and Cognitive Functions in Children

Abstract Introduction Nowadays, there is no consensus on whether central auditory processing disorder is a primary or a secondary deficit to other cognitive deficits. A better understanding of the association between cognitive functions and central auditory skills may help elucidate this dilemma. Objective To investigate possible associations between auditory abilities and cognitive functions in schoolchildren. Methods Fifty-eight schoolchildren, aged between 8 years and 0 months old and 11 years and 11 months old, who underwent the following tests: masking level difference, gaps in noise, pitch pattern sequence test, dichotic digits test, sustained auditory attention ability test, Wechsler intelligence scale for children - IV, junior Hayling test, five digits test, and behavior rating inventory of executive function. Results Significant correlations were found between the hearing ability of temporal resolution and executive functions, temporal ordering/sequencing, binaural integration and separation, and sustained auditory attention, operational memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility; binaural integration was also associated with intelligence. The statistically significant positive correlation found between the ability of binaural interaction and the components of emotional control and behavior regulation of the behavior rating inventory of executive function was unexpected. Conclusion The associations identified reinforce the complexity of the tasks involved in the evaluation of central auditory processing and the need for multidisciplinary evaluation for the differential diagnosis of auditory processing disorder. Confirmation of the presence or absence of comorbidities between different disorders allows directing the therapeutic behaviors and reducing the impact of possible auditory and/or cognitive deficits in the different daily life situations of children.

Central Auditory Processing and Cognitive Functions in Children.

Introduction Nowadays, there is no consensus on whether central auditory processing disorder is a primary or a secondary deficit to other cognitive deficits. A better understanding of the association between cognitive functions and central auditory skills may help elucidate this dilemma. Objective To investigate possible associations between auditory abilities and cognitive functions in schoolchildren. Methods Fifty-eight schoolchildren, aged between 8 years and 0 months old and 11 years and 11 months old, who underwent the following tests: masking level difference, gaps in noise, pitch pattern sequence test, dichotic digits test, sustained auditory attention ability test, Wechsler intelligence scale for children - IV, junior Hayling test, five digits test, and behavior rating inventory of executive function. Results Significant correlations were found between the hearing ability of temporal resolution and executive functions, temporal ordering/sequencing, binaural integration and separation, and sustained auditory attention, operational memory, inhibitory control, and cognitive flexibility; binaural integration was also associated with intelligence. The statistically significant positive correlation found between the ability of binaural interaction and the components of emotional control and behavior regulation of the behavior rating inventory of executive function was unexpected. Conclusion The associations identified reinforce the complexity of the tasks involved in the evaluation of central auditory processing and the need for multidisciplinary evaluation for the differential diagnosis of auditory processing disorder. Confirmation of the presence or absence of comorbidities between different disorders allows directing the therapeutic behaviors and reducing the impact of possible auditory and/or cognitive deficits in the different daily life situations of children.

Acoustically Controlled Binaural Auditory Training with Vocal Duets: Assessment and Effectiveness.

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a binaural auditory training program with vocal duets by comparing skills through outcomes from behavioral and electrophysiological assessment instruments at three moments: before the intervention, moment one (M1); immediately after training, moment two (M2); and 3 months after, moment three (M3). METHODS: This interventional, longitudinal, prospective, and uncontrolled study was approved by our Research Ethics Committee. Binaural auditory training with vocal duets (ATVD) was applied in 10 adults with normal audiometric thresholds and auditory processing disorders. ATVD used four different vocals of a public domain song sung in a cappella as stimuli. Participants were asked to register any perceived difference in frequency for each syllable of the song during 30-minute sessions twice a week. The number of sessions required ranged from 12 (6 hours) to 20 (10 hours). RESULTS: Regarding behavioral tests, the dichotic consonant-vowel test showed significant evidence of an improved advantage in the left ear (LE) in the non-forced condition and a significant reduction in the number of errors at M2 and M3 in the forced left condition. The speech-in-noise test and frequency pattern test showed a significant reduction in impaired results at M2 and M3. Electrophysiological results showed a significant increase in the LE amplitude in the P3 long-latency auditory evoked potentials test, as well as a decrease in the auditory brainstem response test (III-V and I-V inter-peak latencies in the right ear and wave I and I-III inter-peak latencies in LE). CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of ATVD was evidenced, and the results were maintained after 3 months.

Cognitive performance and long-latency auditory evoked potentials: a study on aging.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between cognitive performance and long-latency auditory evoked potentials in an elderly population. METHODS: The sample consisted of adults between 20 and 58 years of age and elderly adults between 60 and 70 years of age. The screening procedures adopted were an inspection of the external auditory canal, tonal and vocal audiometry, tympanometry, brain stem auditory evoked potential, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, and long-latency auditory evoked potential. RESULTS: The latency and amplitude values of cortical components by age group showed significant differences under the following conditions: (i) signals evoked by the speech stimulus /da/ and by the pure-tone stimulus at 2,000 Hz for the N2 amplitude (p=0.008 and p=0.001, respectively) , which were both higher for adults, and (ii) signals evoked by the speech stimulus /da/ for N1 latency (p=0.018) and by the pure-tone stimulus at 2,000 Hz for P2 latency (p=0.017), which were both higher in the elderly population. The cognitive component (P300) showed a significant difference when evoked by speech stimuli, with higher latency in the elderly population (p=0.013). When correlated with cognitive processes, the latency and amplitude of cortical potentials showed direct and medium-strength correlations between abnormal scores obtained on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and P2 amplitude (p<0.001 and r=0.452). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between long-latency potentials and cognitive performance in the elderly, which was observed by the increase in the P2 amplitude and the impairment of the process of sound decoding.

Voice Quality and Auditory Processing in Subjects with and Without Musical Experience.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between voice and auditory processing is complex and has aroused increasing scientific interest in the last decades. Little is known about the relationship between voice quality and auditory processing in individuals with and without musical experience. OBJECTIVES: To assess voice quality and auditory processing in subjects with and without musical experience. METHODS: Total 120 individuals were split into three groups: GS = singers (N = 47), GI = instrumentalists (N = 43), and NM = nonmusicians (N = 30); group GS was subdivided into GS = 20 singers only and GSI = 27 singers and instrumentalists at the same time. Subjects were undertaken vocal assessment by means of Perceptual Assessment of voice recording followed by self-assessment of a potential voice problem using the Brazilian validated version of the Voice Symptom Scale (VoiSS) (Escala de Sintomas Vocais - ESV). The central auditory processing was carried out following such temporal processing tests: Frequency Pattern Test (FPT), Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT), and auditory-perceptual analysis of distorted speech as indicated: Synthetic Sentence Identification (SSI) test, with Ipsilateral Competing Message. RESULTS: GSI reported a higher number of voice symptoms compared to the other groups for the VoiSS. Throughout the groups, most individuals did not present voice disorders and, when presented, were mild. Subgroup GSI showed the best auditory abilities of temporal ordering for the FPT-Humming and FPT-Verbal, whereas NM had the worst performance. Negligible correlation strength alone was found between the different central auditory processing tests, the overall degree of vocal deviation in the auditory-perceptual analysis of voice quality, and the total score of the Voice Symptom Scale protocol. CONCLUSION: The voice quality of musicians and nonmusicians was correlated with their auditory processing; although with negligible strength. It was verified that singers-instrumentalist reported more voice symptoms compared to the other groups. Despite the large variation throughout the groups concerning auditory processing, musicians, especially singers-instrumentalists, have shown better auditory abilities of temporal ordering, suggesting that musical training and experience may account for such performance.

Modulation rate and age effect on intermittent speech recognition / Efeito da idade e da taxa de modulação no reconhecimento da fala intermitente

ABSTRACT Purpose: to investigate the auditory recognition of intermittent speech in relation to different modulation rates and ages. Methods: 20 young people, 20 middle-aged adults, and 16 older adults, all of them with auditory thresholds equal to or lower than 25 dB HL up to the frequency of 4000 Hz. The participants were submitted to intermittent speech recognition tests presented in three modulation conditions: 4 Hz, 10 Hz, and 64 Hz. The percentages of correct answers were compared between age groups and modulation rates. ANOVA and post hoc tests were conducted to investigate the modulation rate effect, and the mixed linear regression model (p < 0.001). Results: regarding the age effect, the data showed a significant difference between young people and older adults, and between middle-aged and older adults. As for the modulation rate effect, the indexes of correct answers were significantly lower at the slower rate (4 Hz) in the three age groups. Conclusion: an age effect was verified on intermittent speech recognition: older adults have greater difficulty. A modulation rate effect was also noticed in the three age groups: the higher the rate, the better the performance.

RESUMO Objetivo: investigar o reconhecimento auditivo da fala intermitente em função de diferentes taxas de modulação e em função da idade. Métodos: participaram do estudo vinte jovens, vinte adultos de meia idade, e dezesseis idosos, todos com limiares auditivos iguais ou menores que 25 dB NA até a frequência de 4000 Hz. Os participantes foram submetidos a testes de reconhecimento da fala intermitente apresentada em três condições de modulação: 4 Hz, 10 Hz e 64 Hz. Percentuais de acerto foram comparados entre grupos etários e taxas de modulação. Para a investigação do efeito da taxa de modulação foi realizada ANOVA e testes Post Hoc, enquanto para a investigação do efeito da idade, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear misto (p<0,001). Resultados: sobre o efeito da idade, os dados mostram diferença significante entre jovens e idosos, e entre adultos de meia idade e idosos. Sobre o efeito da taxa de modulação, os índices de acerto da taxa mais lenta (4Hz) foram significantemente menores nos três grupos etários. Conclusão: foi verificado um efeito da idade no reconhecimento da fala intermitente: idosos apresentaram maior dificuldade. Percebeu-se também um efeito de taxa de modulação nos três grupos etários: quanto maior a taxa, melhor o desempenho.

Acoustically controlled binaural auditory training with vocal duets: assessment and effectiveness

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a binaural auditory training program with vocal duets by comparing skills through outcomes from behavioral and electrophysiological assessment instruments at three moments: before the intervention, moment one (M1); immediately after training, moment two (M2); and 3 months after, moment three (M3). METHODS: This interventional, longitudinal, prospective, and uncontrolled study was approved by our Research Ethics Committee. Binaural auditory training with vocal duets (ATVD) was applied in 10 adults with normal audiometric thresholds and auditory processing disorders. ATVD used four different vocals of a public domain song sung in a cappella as stimuli. Participants were asked to register any perceived difference in frequency for each syllable of the song during 30-minute sessions twice a week. The number of sessions required ranged from 12 (6 hours) to 20 (10 hours). RESULTS: Regarding behavioral tests, the dichotic consonant-vowel test showed significant evidence of an improved advantage in the left ear (LE) in the non-forced condition and a significant reduction in the number of errors at M2 and M3 in the forced left condition. The speech-in-noise test and frequency pattern test showed a significant reduction in impaired results at M2 and M3. Electrophysiological results showed a significant increase in the LE amplitude in the P3 long-latency auditory evoked potentials test, as well as a decrease in the auditory brainstem response test (III-V and I-V inter-peak latencies in the right ear and wave I and I-III inter-peak latencies in LE). CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of ATVD was evidenced, and the results were maintained after 3 months.

Cognitive performance and long-latency auditory evoked potentials: a study on aging

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between cognitive performance and long-latency auditory evoked potentials in an elderly population. METHODS: The sample consisted of adults between 20 and 58 years of age and elderly adults between 60 and 70 years of age. The screening procedures adopted were an inspection of the external auditory canal, tonal and vocal audiometry, tympanometry, brain stem auditory evoked potential, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test, and long-latency auditory evoked potential. RESULTS: The latency and amplitude values of cortical components by age group showed significant differences under the following conditions: (i) signals evoked by the speech stimulus /da/ and by the pure-tone stimulus at 2,000 Hz for the N2 amplitude (p=0.008 and p=0.001, respectively) , which were both higher for adults, and (ii) signals evoked by the speech stimulus /da/ for N1 latency (p=0.018) and by the pure-tone stimulus at 2,000 Hz for P2 latency (p=0.017), which were both higher in the elderly population. The cognitive component (P300) showed a significant difference when evoked by speech stimuli, with higher latency in the elderly population (p=0.013). When correlated with cognitive processes, the latency and amplitude of cortical potentials showed direct and medium-strength correlations between abnormal scores obtained on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and P2 amplitude (p<0.001 and r=0.452). CONCLUSION: There is a relationship between long-latency potentials and cognitive performance in the elderly, which was observed by the increase in the P2 amplitude and the impairment of the process of sound decoding.

Effect of auditory-motor training on auditory processing of school children.

OBJECTIVE: To compare performance in Avaliação Simplificada do Processamento Auditivo Central and Scale of Auditory Behaviors scores before and after auditory and motor training. METHODS: Sample comprising 162 children aged 9 to 11 years and attending public schools in the city of São Paulo (SP), Brazil; 122 out of 162 children were allocated to one of three experimental groups: Multisensory; Auditory/Motor and Motor/Auditory. Experimental groups were submitted to 8 hours of auditory, visuospatial and motor stimulation over the course of 8 weeks. The remaining 40 children formed the Control Group and received no stimulation. RESULTS: Relation between child behavior as perceived by school teachers and auditory test responses revealed that the better the performance in auditory processing assessment, the higher the Scale of Auditory Behaviors scores. CONCLUSION: Auditory and motor training led to improvements in auditory processing skills as rated by Avaliação Simplificada do Processamento Auditivo Central and Scale of Auditory Behaviors; this intervention model proved to be a good tool for use in school settings.

Percepção dos pais sobre os efeitos do treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado em crianças / Perception of parents on the effects of acoustically controlled hearing training in children / La percepción de los padres sobre los efectos del entrenamiento auditivo acústicamente controlado en niños

O uso de questionários pode auxiliar para verificar a percepção de pais/responsáveis sobre as habilidades auditivas dos filhos. Objetivo: Comparar a percepção dos pais de escolares submetidos ao treinamento auditivo acusticamente controlado, nos momentos inicial e final, por meio do questionário Scale Auditory Behavior, denominado "escala SAB". Método: 18 crianças (66,6% meninos), após terem sido diagnosticadas com Transtorno do Processamento Auditivo Centra (TPAC) com idades entre 6 e 13 anos (média de 10,4 anos) foram submetidas ao treinamento auditivo, que durou 15 sessões de 45 minutos cada. Todos os participantes tiveram melhora na avaliação comportamental pós-intervenção. Os responsáveis foram submetidos à escala SAB antes e depois do treinamento auditivo. O questionário contém 12 questões sobre o comportamento auditivo, cuja pontuação total varia de 12 (escore mais baixo) a 60 pontos (escore mais alto). As questões foram agrupadas por domínio: atenção, audição, aprendizado e compreensão auditiva. As respostas do questionário foram analisadas por domínio, segundo a pontuação ponderada analisada em valor absoluto, em porcentagem de dificuldade e evolução desse comportamento. Resultados: Na percepção dos responsáveis através da escala SAB, a maior melhora foi percebida no domínio da audição, seguida dos comportamentos auditivos de atenção, aprendizado e compreensão auditiva. Conclusão: Os pais das crianças submetidas à intervenção perceberam evolução do comportamento auditivo de seus filhos, com melhora satisfatória predominantemente nos domínios audição e atenção. Os domínios de compreensão e aprendizagem não atingiram a mesma melhora dos anteriores. A avaliação da escala SAB pode servir como norteadora no âmbito escolar, se trabalhada com os professores ou cuidadores.

The use of questionnaires can help to verify the perception of parents / guardians about their children's hearing abilities. To compare the perception of the parents of schoolchildren submitted to acoustically controlled auditory training, in the initial and final moments, through a questionnaire called SAB Scale. Method: 18 children (66.6% boys) aged 6 to 13 years (mean of 10.4 years) underwent auditory training, 15 sessions of 45 minutes, after being diagnosed with Central Auditory Processing Disorder. This questionnaire contains 12 questions about auditory behavior which total score ranges from 12 (lowest score) to 60 points (highest score). These questions were grouped by domain: attention, hearing, learning, listening comprehension. Results: In the perception of parents / guardians through SAB scale, the greatest improvement was perceived in the field of hearing, followed by attention, learning and listening comprehension behaviors. Conclusion: The parents perceived evolution of the auditory behavior of their children with satisfactory improvement in the areas of hearing and attention. The understanding and learning domains did not reach the same improvement as before. The evaluation of the SAB scale serves as a guide in the school context if it is worked with teachers or caregivers.

El uso de cuestionarios puede ayudar a verificar la percepción de padres / tutores sobre la capacidad auditiva de sus hijos Objetivo. Comparar la percepción de los padres de escolares sometidos al entrenamiento auditivo acústicamente controlado, en los momentos de inicio y de final, mediante el uso del cuestionario Scale Auditory Behavior,denominado "escala SAB". Método: 18 niños (66,6% varones), después de diagnosticados con Trastorno de Procesamiento Auditivo Central (TPAC),de edades comprendidas entre los 6 y 13 años (promedio 10,4 años) fueron sometidos al entrenamiento auditivo que duró 15 sesiones de 45 minutos cada. Todos los participantes tuvieron una mejoría en la evaluación de la conducta posterior a la intervención. Los responsables fueron sometidos a la escala SAP antes y después del entrenamiento auditivo. El cuestionario contiene 12 preguntas sobre el comportamiento auditivo, cuya puntuación total oscila entre 12 (puntuación más baja) a 60 puntos (máxima puntuación). Las preguntas fueron agrupadas por dominios: atención, audición, aprendizaje, comprensión auditiva. Resultados: En la percepción de los padres / tutores a través de la escala SAB la principal mejora se observó en el dominio de la audición, seguida de los comportamientosauditivos de atención,aprendizaje y comprensión auditiva. Conclusiones: Los padres de los niños sometidos a la intervención se dieron cuenta de la progresión de la conducta auditiva de sus hijos con una mejoría satisfactoria predominantemente en los dominiosaudición y atención. Los dominios de comprensión aprendizaje no alcanzaron la misma mejora de las anteriores. La evaluación de la escala SAB puede servircomo una guía en la escuela si trabajada con los maestros o cuidadores.

Hearing, language, motor and social skills in the child development: a screening proposal / Habilidades auditivas, de linguagem, motoras e sociais no desenvolvimento infantil: uma proposta de triagem

ABSTRACT Purpose: to analyze the hearing, language, motor and social skills of children and propose a screening of child development. Methods: 129 preschool children of both sexes, aged between three and six years old, enrolled in educational institutions and 25 teachers of kindergarten from public and private institutions, with no history of hearing disorders, with type A tympanometric curves and the presence of acoustic reflexes participated. For the children, the neuropsychomotor test, Denver II, and the evaluation of sound localization and temporal ordination of three verbal and non-verbal sounds were applied. For the educators responsible for the children, the Scale of Auditory Behaviors (SAB), was used. Results: most participants with normal SAB presented hearing abilities or standard Denver II; while in the amended SAB group, most participants presented alterations in Denver II or in the auditory abilities tests. It was found, also, that part of the children with standard Denver II were pointed, by the educators, as misbehaving in SAB. Conclusion: the combination of the findings of the Denver II, hearing tests of sound localization and temporal ordination and the SAB Scale is useful in the characterization of child development and, thus, the use of these three instruments for screening in this age group is recommended.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar as habilidades auditivas, de linguagem, motoras e sociais de crianças e propor uma triagem do desenvolvimento infantil. Métodos: participaram 129 pré-escolares, de ambos os sexos, com idades entre três e seis anos, matriculadas em instituições de educação infantil e 25 educadores do ensino infantil oriundos de instituições públicas e particulares. Todas as crianças com curvas timpanométricas tipo A e presença de reflexos acústicos. Nas crianças, aplicou-se o teste de desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor, Denver II, e a avaliação da localização sonora e da ordenação temporal de três sons verbais e não verbais. Com as educadoras, foi aplicado a Escala SAB. Resultados: verificou-se que a grande maioria dos participantes com SAB normal apresentaram habilidades auditivas ou Denver II normal; enquanto no grupo de SAB alterado, grande parte dos participantes apresentou alteração no Denver II ou nos testes de habilidades auditivas. Foi constatado, ainda, que parte das crianças com Denver II normal foram apontados, pelos educadores, como com comportamento inadequado no SAB. Conclusão: a combinação entre os achados do Denver II, de testes auditivos de localização sonora e ordenação temporal e a Escala SAB são úteis na caracterização do desenvolvimento infantil, assim, recomenda-se o uso dos três instrumentos como triagem.

Auditory skills of figure-ground and closure in air traffic controllers. / Habilidades auditivas de figura-fundo e fechamento em controladores de tráfego aéreo.

PURPOSE: To investigate the auditory skills of closure and figure-ground and factors associated with health, communication, and attention in air traffic controllers, and compare these variables with those of other civil and military servants. METHODS: Study participants were sixty adults with normal audiometric thresholds divided into two groups matched for age and gender: study group (SG), comprising 30 air traffic controllers and control group (CG), composed of 30 other military and civil servants. All participants were asked a number of questions regarding their health, communication, and attention, and underwent the Speech-in-Noise Test (SIN) to assess their closure skills and the Synthetic Sentence Identification Test - Ipsilateral Competitive Message (SSI-ICM) in monotic listening to evaluate their figure-ground abilities. Data were compared using nonparametric statistical tests and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: More individuals in the SG reported fatigue and/or burnout and work-related stress and showed better performance than that of individuals in the CG for the figure-ground ability. Both groups performed similarly and satisfactorily in the other hearing tests. The odds ratio for participants belonging in the SG was 5.59 and 1.24 times regarding work-related stress and SSI-ICM (right ear), respectively. CONCLUSION: Results for the variables auditory closure, self-reported health, attention, and communication were similar in both groups. The SG presented significantly better performance in auditory figure-ground compared with that of the CG. Self-reported stress and right-ear SSI-ICM were significant predictors of individuals belonging to the SG.

OBJETIVO: Investigar o perfil das habilidades auditivas de fechamento e figura-fundo e fatores relacionados à atenção, comunicação e saúde de controladores de tráfego aéreo (CTA) de aproximação de aeronaves e comparar com os de outros profissionais civis e militares. MÉTODO: Participaram 60 adultos com limiares audiométricos normais reunidos em dois grupos, pareados por idade e gênero: o grupo estudo formado por 30 profissionais do Controle de Aproximação de aeronaves e o controle, por 30 outros servidores civis e militares. Todos foram submetidos a perguntas relacionadas à atenção, comunicação e saúde e ao Teste de Fala com Ruído e de Identificação de Sentenças Sintéticas em escuta monótica (SSI) para avaliar fechamento e figura-fundo, respectivamente. Foram usados testes estatísticos não paramétricos e análise de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: O CTA autorreferiu maior cansaço/esgotamento e estresse e obteve melhor desempenho do que o grupo controle em figura-fundo e semelhante em fechamento. Foi observado que ocorreu uma probabilidade de ser CTA para o estresse em 5,59 vezes e para identificação de sentenças em escuta monótica à orelha direita de 1,24. CONCLUSÃO: Fechamento e autorrelato de dificuldades de saúde, comunicação e atenção na maioria das questões foram similares em ambos os grupos. Figura-fundo foi significativamente melhor em CTA. Autorreferência de estresse e desempenho à orelha direita no SSI foram preditores significantes do indivíduo ser do CTA.

The Effect of Citalopram Versus a Placebo on Central Auditory Processing in the Elderly.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effects of therapy with citalopram on the central auditory processing in the elderly measured by central auditory tests. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Thirty-nine patients older than 60 years with normal hearing thresholds or symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss up to 70 dBHL, word-recognition score equal to or better than 70%, and diagnosed with central auditory processing disorders completed the study. They underwent the mini-mental state examination, as a way to screen those with the possibility of dementia; they also underwent the Beck depression inventory, for screening individuals with depression. INTERVENTION: Citalopram 20 mg/d or placebo for 6 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The central auditory tests were applied to the selection of individuals with auditory processing disorders and repeated after 6 months' treatment. The tests were sound localization, speech in noise, dichotic digits test, pitch pattern sequence, duration pattern test, and gaps-in-noise. RESULTS: Comparisons of central auditory tests pre- and posttreatment in groups showed: sound localization (p = 0.022), pitch pattern sequence humming (p = 0.110), pitch pattern sequence nomination (p = 0.355), duration pattern test humming (p = 0.801), duration pattern test nomination (p = 0.614), and gaps-in-noise (p = 0.230). Dichotic tests in right and left ears respectively: speech in noise (p = 0.949; p = 0.722), dichotic digits test (p = 0.943; p = 0.513). CONCLUSION: There was no clinical effect with the use of citalopram in central auditory processing tests of the subjects.

Test-Retest of Long Latency Auditory Evoked Potentials (P300) with Pure Tone and Speech Stimuli

Abstract Introduction Long latency auditory evoked potentials, especially P300, have been used for clinical evaluation of mental processing. Many factors can interfere with Auditory Evoked Potential - P300 results, suggesting large intra and inter-subject variations. Objective The objective of the study was to identify the reliability of P3 components (latency and amplitude) over 4-6 weeks and the most stable auditory stimulus with the best test-retest agreement. Methods Ten normal-hearing women participated in the study. Only subjects without auditory processing problems were included. To determine the P3 components, we elicited long latency auditory evoked potential (P300) by pure tone and speech stimuli, and retested after 4-6 weeks using the same parameters. We identified P300 latency and amplitude by waveform subtraction. Results We found lower coefficient of variation values in latency than in amplitude, with less variability analysis when speech stimulus was used. There was no significant correlation in latency measures between pure tone and speech stimuli, and sessions. There was a significant intrasubject correlation between measures of latency and amplitude. Conclusion These findings show that amplitude responses are more robust for the speech stimulus when compared with its pure tone counterpart. The P300 indicated stability for latency and amplitudemeasures when the test-retest was applied. Reliability was higher for amplitude than for latency, with better agreement when the pure tone stimulus was used. However, further research with speech stimulus is needed to clarify how these stimuli are processed by the nervous system.