Effect of auditory temporal processing training on behavioral and electrophysiological functions in central presbycusis

Samir I Asal, Ossama A Sobhy, Hebatollah M Morsy

The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology 2018 34(1):68-75

Objective Age-related changes in the central auditory system, particularly auditory temporal processing abilities, were considered among most important factors affecting speech understanding performance in older adults. Once these factors are identified, clinical management procedures could be developed for prevention and treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of short-term auditory training on the behavioral and electrophysiological measurements of auditory function in individuals with age-related temporal processing deficit. Participants and methods A prospective study of 20 individuals aged 60–67 years with either normal or bilateral symmetric high-frequency hearing loss was conducted. Evaluations of auditory temporal processing using behavioral tests (Pitch Discrimination Test, Pitch Pattern Sequence Test, Auditory Fusion Test-Revised, and Time Compressed Speech Test), P300 potential, and the administration of ‘Amsterdam inventory for auditory disability and handicap’ were performed before and after short-term auditory training. Results All participants demonstrated poor pretraining Pitch Pattern Sequence Test results which were significantly improved after remediation. All patients showed normal pretraining performance on Pitch Discrimination Test, Auditory Fusion Test-Revised, and Time Compressed Speech Test tests. There was a statistically significant increase in P300 amplitude and shortening in latency after remediation. Conclusion Short-term auditory training in older adults with auditory temporal processing deficit led to improvements in temporal sequencing skills and communication in noisy environments. P300 potential has been proved to be an objective indicator of neurophysiologic changes in the central auditory system resulting from auditory experience. Recommendation Short-term auditory training is an efficient rehabilitative tool for elderly people with auditory temporal processing deficit. However, maintenance of treatment effects over time should be evaluated.

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