COMPUTERISED TURKISH VERSIONS OF TESTS FOR CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER

Abstract

Background: To detect central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), a test battery is needed that probes the integrity of the central auditory nervous system and describes its response parameters. The audiologist needs to select a well-designed test battery that examines a variety of auditory performance areas. Computer-controlled adaptive tests are recommended because they maximise test efficiency and minimise floor and ceiling effects as well as minimising memory load. In order to increase test efficiency and minimise difficulties and training, we adapted computerised versions of the Frequency Pattern test and the Duration Pattern test. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted at Hacettepe University, Turkey, in the Faculty of Medicine's Otorhi¬nolarnygology Department, Audiology and Speech Pathology Unit. In total, 80 children (43 girls, 37 boys) aged between 7 years 0 months and 11 years 11 months were recruited. Each participant completed an informed consent form and a biographical survey prior to the tests. All tests were administered according to instructions at a comfortable listening level on a calibrated laptop computer which delivered a 'Frequency Pattern' test and a 'Duration Pattern' test. Results: Normative test results are presented. Scores obtained by both tests were evaluated as percent scores for clinical study. Conclusions: We adapted the computerised versions of the Frequency Pattern and Duration Pattern tests. Norm percent scores were obtained. We are continuing development of a computerised test battery that will include 'gaps in noise' and 'dichotic digits' tests using touch-screen protocols.