College

College of Health Professions

Date of Last Revision

2024-06-03 12:59:47

Major

Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

Honors Course

SLPA 496-001

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2024

Abstract

The purpose of this research project is to describe Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) and its background and etiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment options. APD is an auditory disorder that affects the central nervous system. Individuals with auditory processing disorders are able to detect sounds at normal hearing levels and pass a standard hearing test, but struggle with higher order auditory skills such as auditory discrimination, binaural processing, including understanding in the presence of background noise, and temporal processing (ASHA, 2005). A full auditory processing test battery is time consuming, and many audiologists are not skilled in administering typical APD screening procedures, however, there is growing evidence that extended high-frequency audiometry can be an effective screening tool. Specifically, the report highlights this screening option for APD and determines whether extended high-frequency audiometry could be added to normal testing procedures for children in a clinical setting. To perform extended high-frequency audiometry, tones of high frequency between 8,000 and 20,000 Hz are presented to determine if they are detected by the patient. If the tones are not detected, or elevated, it may suggest the child needs to be evaluated for APD. The research project examines the possibility of implementing this comprehensive pure tone testing broadly in audiologic settings but recognize cost, accessibility of equipment and time may impact the viability of this screening option. APD being directly correlated with extended high-frequency audiometry testing could lead to greater accessibility for screenings, more appropriate referrals, and earlier diagnosis of APD in children.

Research Sponsor

Erin Miller

First Reader

Alex Meibos

Second Reader

James Steiger

Honors Faculty Advisor

James Steiger

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

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