Correlation between Speech Evoked Auditory Brainstem Response and Gap in Noise Tests in 8-12 Year-Old Children with Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory temporal processing may be defined as the perception of the temporal envelope or the alteration of durational characteristics of a sound within a restricted or defined time interval and it likely underlies, at least in part, most other processes, such as localization, discrimination, pattern processing, binaural integration, and binaural separation. Temporal resolution is a component of the recommended minimal central auditory processing test battery. The Gap in Noise (GIN) test is a valuable tool in identifying temporal resolution deficits. Using appropriate speech stimuli, the auditory brainstem responses appear to reflect processing of the temporal features of speech in addition to documenting brainstem activation in response to stimulus onset. As the GIN test and complex ABR (cABR) evaluate temporal resolution of auditory stimuli in different aspects, the purpose of the present study was to investigate the correlation between the two tests and the possibility of using cABR as an electrophysiological test for temporal processing in central auditory processing disorder test battery.

A total of 20 CAPD children, within the age range of 8–12 years, diagnosed with four auditory processing tests, participated in the study. GIN test was administered for all of the participants and nine children underwent ABR and cABR tests. Then, the results of the tests were compared between the two groups.

Based on the results of GIN test, these children had temporal processing impairment; the results were also confirmed using cABR. There was also a correlation between the gap detection threshold in GIN test and the slope of V-A in cABR.

Both GIN and cABR can evaluate temporal processing, but since there is no need for active participation of the individuals in cABR, this test can be used in younger children and those who cannot take behavioral tests.