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Background and Aim: It is important to know how much are the auditory electrophysiological tests affected by sleep and wakefulness to be employed in different situations. This problem is more important for the speech-evoked Auditory Brainstem Response (speechABR) test that is affected by higher-level processing. This study aimed to compare the results of the speech-ABR test between wakefulness and sleep states. Methods: Sixteen young male adults (aged 20–28 years) with normal hearing participated in this study. The speech-ABR to the /da/ syllable was recorded during wakefulness and sleep. Electroencephalography (EEG) and behavioral tests (eyes position, body movements, etc.) were monitored during the test time to confirm the sleep state. Results: The speech-ABR test parameters showed significant changes during sleep compared to wakefulness (latencies of waves V and A were longer and the amplitudes of waves V and A, the slope of V-A complex, and the spectral magnitude of F1 were lower). However, the spectral magnitude of higher frequencies was not significantly different. In addition, no significant statistical difference was observed in speech-ABR parameters between right and left ears. Conclusion: Although the speech-ABR originates from brainstem centers, unlike conventional click-evoked ABR, it is affected by sleep as it is affected by the higher-level auditory processing functions. Although, further studies are needed. However, our study opens the way for many applied auditory studies about the possibility to use speech-ABR for auditory processing assessments in sleep state of different population groups, such as neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Perception of speech in noise (SIN) is based on the accurate extraction of spectral and temporal cues. Disruption of this process can reduce the productivity of the spectral and temporal features of the target stimulus and speech recognition in noise. Auditory processing disorder is one of the main challenges of people with stroke, which leads to social, mental, and even physical failures. This study aimed to investigate the spectral and temporal processing abilities of people with stroke compared to healthy peers. Methods: In this study, participants were 15 patients with stroke referred to the neurology clinic of Imam Khomeini Hospital and 30 healthy people aged 20–60 years. Spectral Modulation Detection Test (SMDT), Pitch Pattern Sequencing Test (PPST), Random Gap Detection Test (RGDT) and QuickSIN tests were performed for all participants. The mean scores of the two groups were compared. Results: Patients with stroke had poorer performance in SMDT, PPST, RGDT and QuickSIN tests (p<0.001) compared to healthy subjects. The results showed that there was a significant correlation between SIN test with temporal and spectral processing in the normal group, but the correlation pattern was different in people with stroke. The scores of all the tests were not significantly different between the right and left ears. Conclusion: The results showed that people with stroke have poorer performance in all tests compared to normal people and have more problems in speech perception in challenging areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The Persian version of the University of Cincinnati Auditory Processing Inventory (P-UCAPI) is used to evaluate auditory processing disorders in Iranian people using six subscales, each focusing on different auditory skills. In this study, we aimed to compare the total score and the subscale scores of the P-UCAPI among three age groups to evaluate the impact of aging on auditory processing. Methods: Participants in three age groups of 20, including 21-39 years (group A), 42-60 years (group B), and 61-80 years (group C) completed the P-UCAPI. One-way ANOVA and Welch's t-test was used to compare the mean scores of each subscale among the three groups. Results: The mean scores of listening and concentrating (p<0.001), understanding speech (p<0.001), attention (p=0.010), and other (p<0.001) were significantly lower in group C compared to group A. The mean scores of listening and concentrating (p=0.001), understanding speech (p<0.001), and other (p<0.001) were significantly lower in group C compared to group B. The mean total score was not significantly different between groups A and B (p=0.333). However, the difference was significant between groups A and C (p<0.001) and between groups B and C (p<0.001). Conclusion: The increase of age affects the auditory processing and generally reduces the auditory performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Identifying sound localization defects in children and using appropriate rehabilitation methods lead to improve their problem to use binaural processing skills to successfully suppress background noise and selectively attend to a particular auditory source. This pilot study aims to design a game for auditory training of children with Spatial Processing Disorder (SPD) in Iran and compare their performance in engagement time and speech recognition in noise with those of normal peers. Methods: The game application was designed based on the spatial separation of target and competing stimuli by applying head-related transfer functions. The child's task was to identify the picture of the target word from among the displayed options. Participants were 24 children with SPD and 27 normal peers aged 7-9 years, who performed the speech recognition tasks using the designed game. Results: The game was fascinating and easy to use for most participants. There was no significant difference in mean engagement time between the two groups. The mean engagement time of participants was significantly different between the two groups in terms of age. The children with SPD obtained lower scores in speech recognition in noise tasks. There was no significant difference in speech recognition scores between girls and boys. Conclusion: The designed game application has the potential for speech recognition innoise training of children with SPD in Iran. It is a fascinating and user-friendly tool for simulating the real-life auditory situations for these children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The use of subliminal stimulation for unconscious effects on the target population is of great importance. while several studies have generated proper visual and auditory stimuli for subliminal stimulation, no study was found on the long-term effects of it. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the long-term effects of auditory subliminal presentation on the central nervous system structures using fMRI and Auditory Late Responses (ALRs). Methods: Participants were 26 students with a mean age of 24.03 ± 2.32 years. There was four group in study. First, fMRI was done and ALRs were recorded for all of them. Then, music files containing words embedded in them was presented subliminally to participants in groups A and B for 10 days, group C received music file without any subliminal stimuli and group D was control group. It was repeated after 10 days. Results: The subliminal stimuli had significant effects on the amplitudes of P1, N1, P2, and P3 waves (F3=25.03, 25.41, 39.11, and 14.60; p<0.001). Between-group comparison showed significant changes in groups A and B compared to groups C and D (p<0.05). The difference in the recorded potential mean values showed the highest change for recording electrodes in the prefrontal, frontal, and central regions and the lowest change in parietal and occipital regions. There was no significant change for a latency component. Conclusion: Subliminal stimuli, presented appropriately and continuously, can leave long-term effects on the central nervous system structure causing extensive changes in the people's attitude to a certain subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The Buffalo Model Questionnaire (BMQ) has been proposed for the screening, helping to diagnose and also monitoring the effect of rehabilitation on the improvement of Central Auditory Processing Disorder ((C)APD). In this regard, the applicability and accuracy of Persian-BMQ (P-BMQ) are evaluated by examining the correlation between the results of this questionnaire and the Buffalo model test battery. Methods: Overall, 254 children, normal and with Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) aged between 7–12 years old participated in this cross-sectional study. The questionnaire was completed by the parents of children who were subjected to the Buffalo model test battery evaluations. Results: In the normal group, the highest correlation (0.648) was shown between the Decoding (D) component of the P-BMQ with the Row Staggered Spondaic Word (RSSW) variable. In the SLD group, the highest correlation (0.318) was shown between the Variance-tolerance fading memory (V) component of the P-BMQ and the qualitative Persian version of the Phonemic Sentence Test (P-PST) variable. The highest correlation was considered to be between the D component of the P-BMQ with the Right Competitive word, started in the Left ear (RC-LEF) variable in the SSW test (0.498), and qualitative P-PST variable (0.471); and 0.360 between the V component of the P-BMQ and Persian version of the Speech in Noise with S/N=4 in the Left ear (P-SIN4L) of variable in the P-SIN test. Conclusion: P-BMQ is a useful screening tool complementing the Persian Buffalo model test battery for evaluating auditory processing evaluation in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is seen in a wide array of populations, including children and adults. CAPD is characterized by deficits in one or more auditory abilities, causes difficulties in auditory discrimination, temporal and binaural processing although hearing thresholds are in the normal range. Children's auditory performance scale (CHAPS) is a screening instrument. This study examined the reliability and validity of the Arabic version of children's auditory performance scale. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 healthy children were included. The children's ages ranged from seven to nine years, and they passed the screening test using distortion product otoacoustic emissions before administering the scale in the translation process, the backtranslation method was used, in addition to the face validity procedure. Teachers fulfilled the questionnaire in the presence of an audiologist. After two weeks, the scale was re-administrated, and then the statistical analysis was done to examine the reliability and validity of Arabic version of CHAPS (CHAPS-AR). Results: The internal consistency was examined with Cronbach's a (a=0.997), for testretest reliability, Pearson›s (r) was examined (r=0.994) and when executing the face validity, five experts agreed that the CHAPS-AR has a clear structure, syntax and it is easy to understand and use. Conclusion: The Arabic version of CHAPS can be considered a reliable and valid screening instrument for clinical and research use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Early detection of auditory processing disorders (APD) is essential for preventing learning and educational problems in school-aged children. It is crucial to take into account the comorbidity with APD, as well. The goal of APD screening is to obtain the basic information about those with auditory disorders to be referred for further evaluation. This study aimed to identify the elementary school students at risk of APD in Tehran, Iran. Methods: Participants were the parents of 536 children selected from 11 elementary schools in four districts of Tehran city. The schools in each district were selected by a random clustering method. The auditory system of students was first evaluated. The parents were then asked to complete the Persian version of the auditory processing domain questionnaire (APDQ). Results: The prevalence of APD was 3.3% in girls and 8.3% in boys and the difference between them was statistically significant (p=0.021). The overall prevalence of APD was 4.6% based on the cut-off points of four APDQ domains, with a male-to-female ratio of 2.6. Conclusion: It is necessary to screen APD in school-aged children to minimize learning and educational problems in them. Moreover, there is a need for developing screening methods to provide timely detection and appropriate intervention for those at risk of APD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: The majority of auditory processing guidelines use questionnaires or checklists as screening tools. The Buffalo Model Questionnaire (BMQ) is a well-known and sensitive questionnaire to be used along with the Buffalo Model diagnostic test battery. The revision for the Buffalo Model Questionnaire- Revised (BMQ-R) implemented to improve the readability of the BMQ, reducing the completion time and increasing the ease of scoring for the audiologist. The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate the psychometric properties of the Persian version of BMQ-R (P-BMQ-R). Methods: After cross-cultural adaptation of the questionnaire, the validity and reliability were determined, also the norms for the children in age ranges between 7 and 12 were generated. Results: Findings of this study revealed strong content and face validity of the questionnaire. Scores of the test and retest were correlated (r > 0.9) strongly and positively based on Spearman correlation coefficient. Conclusion: The Persian version of BMQ-R (P-BMQ-R) is a valid and reliable tool and is suitable to use in everyday practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Amblyaudia is a diagnostic issue in central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), which is characterized by asymmetry in dichotic listening performance. This disorder negatively affects the academic performance of children by influencing their information processing, reading, attention, etc. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the dichotic interaural intensity difference (DIID) training on all auditory processing categories of the Buffalo Model using the Persian staggered spondaic word (P-SSW) test. Methods: The study was conducted on 17 children (11 girls and 6 boys) aged 8-12 years old diagnosed with amblyaudia. All children were first evaluated by the P-SSW test, and then participated in 10-12 sessions of the DIID training. The P-SSW test was taken again after completing the training program in order to evaluate the training effect. Results: The paired t-test results showed a significant reduction in the mean scores of decoding (p < 0.001) and tolerance fading memory (p < 0.004) categories as well as the total mean score of P-SSW test after training. The Wilcoxon test also showed the effect of this training on the integration category (p < 0.025). The McNemar test, however, showed no statistically significant effect of the DIID training on the organization category. Conclusion: The DIID training causes significant improvement in some central auditory processing categories of the Buffalo Model, including decoding, tolerance fading memory and integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Auditory processing disorder (APD), as a sensory processing defect, can be comorbid with other disorders such as learning disability (LD). LD has shown a greater likelihood of comorbidity with APD. Therefore, the deficits associated with APD needs to be identified in children with LD. Given the high likelihood of APD comorbidity in children with LD, this study aimed to screen for APD in 8-12-year-old children with LD using the Persian auditory processing domains questionnaire (APDQ-P). Methods: In this cross-sectional study, APDQ-P was administered on 250 normal children with a mean (SD) age of 10 (1.48) years old (153 girls and 97 boys), and 110 children with LD with a mean (SD) age of 9 (1.92) years old (40 girls and 61 boys). After obtaining the cut-off point, the scores of the two groups were compared by a t-test in 5 age categories. Finally, we calculated the number of children with suspected APD using APDQ-P. Results: There was a significant difference between the scores of LD and normal group in all subscales including auditory processing, language and attention. About 75% of LD children failed in auditory processing, 86% in attention skills, and 82% in language skills. Conclusion: A significant proportion of children with LD were suspected of APD, which could be indicative of a high likelihood of comorbidity of APD in children with LD. More accurate identification of the degree and type of APD in these children requires central auditory diagnostic tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Since the first report of recording the binaural interaction component (BIC) in 1970, many studies have been conducted on BIC but none of them make its way to clinical application yet. The present paper aims at reviewing the characteristics and potential applications of BIC in audiology. Recent Findings: BIC may be a potentially sensitive objective tool in identifying subjects with auditory processing disorders and monitoring auditory training effects. It can also help effective electrode insertion in bilateral cochlear implantation. Besides, BIC has shed light on the binaural processing maturation in infants. BIC recoding faces some difficulties as it is sensitive to noise and presentation rate, and has low amplitude, especially in brainstem level. These issues might contribute to its limited clinical applications. Conclusion: Although BIC has not been introduced as an objective tool for testing binaural processing, it has the potential to be a reliable test. Furthermore, BIC may be used in situations where no behavioral test can be conducted. Such circumstances are during cochlear implantation or testing uncooperative pre-school children for auditory processing or the lack of standard behavioral tests for them. Further research on BIC is highly recommended before it can gain any clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Dichotic listening disorders occur secondary to interhemispheric transfer dysfunction. Central processing tests such as staggered spondaic words (SSW) and dichotic digits test (DDT) are recommended for the evaluation of dichotic listening in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The present study aimed to evaluate dichotic listening in subjects with MS by SSW and DDT. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 45 patients with MS, including 20 males (mean ± SD age: 35.95 ± 5.73 y) and 25 females (mean ± SD age: 37.40 ± 6.1 y) and their data were collected by the Persian version of SSW (P-SSW) and DDT. The results compared to 45 normal subjects age- and gendermatched as the control group. Results: In patients with MS, P-SSW quantitative and qualitative errors (except for Sm2 and reversals), errors were significantly more than the control group (p = 0.001). Right and left ear scores in DDT for the patients with MS were significantly lower, and right ear advantage was significantly higher than that in the control group (p = 0.001). The results also showed a significant correlation between the test of PSSW and DDT in the left ear. Conclusion: The present study showed that patients with MS have lower performance in dichotic listening and binaural processing than normal peers. Identification of binaural processing deficit in patients with MS may lead to early rehabilitation and improving their function by facilitating auditory processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Time compressed speech test is one of the most useful monaural tests for evaluation of central auditory processing disorder. For developing the time compressed sentences test, the compression rate of the sentences must be set so that the average speech comprehension score is about 90% in normal individuals and can challenge central auditory processing system sufficiently so subjects with auditory processing disorders could be identified. Therefore, the aim of the present study was finding the appropriate compression rate for developing compressed sentences test in Persian. Method: Initially, two 10-sentence lists were prepared based on the experts' opinion and were compressed by the amount of 60, 65, 70, 75 and 80% using Praat software. Compressed sentences were tested on twelve 18-25 year-old normal individuals and the speech comprehension score in different compression rates was compared and the compression rate in which the average score was approximately 90% was reported as an appropriate compression rate for developing time compressed sentences test in Persian. Results: 70% compression rate was able to create an average score of 95.27% (± 3.31) and 93.6% (± 7.17) in the right and left ear, respectively. Conclusion: Results showed that the compression rate of 70% was appropriate rate for developing the test in the Persian language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Tinnitus is a perception of sound in ears or head in the absence of any external stimuli. Despite its high prevalence in various age groups, tinnitus has still no effective treatment because its physiological and pathological mechanisms have remained unknown. Since the study of cellular-molecular mechanisms of tinnitus production and stability in human is not feasible, animal models have been used to shed some light on tinnitus induction and propagation mechanisms. This study reviewed some of these research studies. The present review article is based on articles published during 1967-2018 in which keywords such as "salicylate," "noise," "tinnitus in the animal model," and "tinnitus mechanism" were used. These articles were searched in databases such as Science Direct, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Recent Findings: Despite differences in the mechanisms of tinnitus induction, the structural changes initiated from the cochlea and continued to cortex reflect the extent of the affected regions in the creation, development, and preservation of tinnitus. Conclusion: Animal models (exposed to noise or ototoxic drugs such as salicylate) are ideal tools for studying tinnitus and understanding the details of its propagation and unknown mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]