Search

Background: Oral language skills provide the foundation for formal education, yet many children enter school with language weaknesses. This study evaluated the efficacy of a new language enrichment programme, the Nuffield Early Language Intervention—Preschool (NELI Preschool), delivered to children in the year before they enter formal education. Methods: We conducted a preregistered cluster randomised controlled trial in 65 nursery schools in England (https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN29838552). NELI Preschool consists of a 20‐week whole‐class language enrichment programme delivered by a teacher each day for 20 min. In addition, children with the weakest language skills in each class are allocated to receive additional targeted support delivered by classroom assistants (whole‐class + targeted). The language skills of all children (n = 1,586) in participating classrooms were assessed using the LanguageScreen automated app (https://oxedandassessment.com/languagescreen/). Settings were then randomly allocated to an intervention or control group. The children with the weakest language in each class (whole‐class + targeted children n = 438), along with four randomly selected children in each class allocated to the whole‐class only programme (n = 288) were individually tested on a range of language measures. Results: Children receiving NELI Preschool made larger gains than children in the control group on an oral language latent variable (whole‐class children d =.26; whole‐class + targeted children d =.16). Conclusions: This study provides good evidence that whole‐class intervention delivered in preschool can produce educationally significant improvements in children's language skills. The intervention is scaleable and relatively low cost. These findings have important implications for educational and social policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: At least one in four persons with bipolar disorder (BD) are estimated to have experienced auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) or heard voices at some point. Yet few studies have investigated AVH in detail in this population. This preliminary study examined the phenomenology of AVH in BD to identify commonalities and differences relative to other psychiatric disorders where AVH are commonly reported. Method: Twenty‐one participants diagnosed with BD were recruited across two international sites in the UK and Australia. All participants underwent a structured clinical interview to verify psychiatric diagnosis and completed standardised measures of symptomatology, including mood states. Phenomenological information of AVH was gathered using select questions from the comprehensive Mental Health Research Institute Unusual Perceptual Schedule (MUPS). Results: AVH experienced by this BD sample were broadly similar in form and content to characterisations reported in the schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) in prior literature, with some exceptions including frequency, duration and the changeability of tone and content. Conclusions: The study highlights possibly subtle differences in the experience of AVH in BD, including the potential influence of mood congruence as a pertinent clinical feature. Further research into these differences might inform adaptations to existing AVH interventions to ensure they are relevant for BD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to explore the utility of impairment(s) in language (LI), manual dexterity (IMD), and visual perceptual skills (IVPS) as a reference standard for diagnosing auditory processing disorder (APD). Method: Data from 104 participants with suspected APD (males = 57, females = 47; 6--16 years) were retrospectively analyzed. Index auditory processing (AP) tests included Auditory Figure Ground 0 dB, Competing Words--Directed Ear (CW-DE), and Time-Compressed Sentences (TCS). General Communication Composite (GCC) of the Children's Communication Checklist--2, manual dexterity (MD) component of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children--Second Edition, and Test for Visual Perceptual Skills--Third Edition (TVPS-3) were used to identify LI, IMD, and IVPS, respectively. Results: Eighty-one (77.8%), 58 (55.8%), and 37 (35.6%) participants had LI, IVPS, and IMD, respectively. Four factors explaining 67.69% of the variance were extracted. TVPS-3 (except visual closure [VClo]) represented the first; AFG 0, VClo, and MD the second; CW-DE and GCC the third; and TCS the fourth. APD diagnosed by combining AP tests and comorbidities had better accuracy compared to AP tests alone. The combined approach had overall diagnostic accuracy of 92.2%, 88.4%, and 81.7% for the 9th, 5th, and 2nd percentile AP test cutoffs, respectively. Conclusions: First-order AP tests in this study were related to language, MD, and visual perceptual skills. Given the overlap of LI, IMD, and IVPS with impaired AP, these comorbidities are an effective reference standard for APD. APD can be diagnosed following failing one AP test if one or more comorbidities exist. Ninth percentile AP test cutoff had better diagnostic accuracy compared to the currently used 2nd percentile cutoff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose a hypothesis that domain-general auditory processing, a perceptual–cognitive anchor of first language (L1) acquisition, can serve as an important deciding factor for successful postpubertal second language (L2) pronunciation learning. To examine this hypothesis, samples of spontaneous speech were elicited from a total of 30 L1 Chinese L2 English learners at two points (outset and endpoint) during an 8-month study-abroad period in the United Kingdom. The participants were tested on three different components of auditory processing ability (formant, pitch, and duration discrimination) using behavioral instruments. The auditory processing scores were then linked to the segmental, prosodic, and fluency dimensions of their L2 pronunciation proficiency development throughout the project. Overall, most learners' speech became smoother, faster, and more fluent (fewer pauses, faster articulation rate, and more optimal perceived tempo). Certain learners with high-level auditory processing ability (more precise formant discrimination) appeared to further attain more correct pronunciation of individual sounds and words (greater segmental and word stress accuracy), leading to more advanced L2 phonological skills (fluent and accurate). The findings suggest that auditory processing abilities can be a root of language learning throughout the life span and may apply to the initial- to midphase of naturalistic L2 pronunciation learning in adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hearing impairment is one of the most common disabilities in the UK and globally. Worldwide, 60% of cases are thought to be preventable and fewer than 10% globally have access to the hearing support they need. Childhood hearing impairment can impact on development, speech, language, auditory processing, listening skills, behaviour, self-esteem, quality of life and learning. Our responsibility as clinicians is to prevent developmental impairment in these areas and ensure children with a hearing impairment have the same life chances as children who hear well. There are 45,000 children in the UK diagnosed with a hearing impairment. Hearing impairment can be isolated or part of a more complex presentation. Visual, neurodevelopmental, balance and communication difficulties as well as safeguarding issues are more common in children with hearing impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cognitive behaviour therapy is recommended internationally as a treatment for psychosis (targeting symptoms such as auditory hallucinations, or "voices"). Yet mental health services are commonly unable to offer such resource‐intensive psychological interventions. Brief, symptom‐specific and less resource‐intensive therapies are being developed as one initiative to increase access. However, as access increases, so might the risk of offering therapy to clients who are not optimally disposed to engage with and benefit from therapy. Thus, it is important to identify who is most/least likely to engage with and benefit from therapy, and when. In the current study, 225 clients were assessed for suitability for a brief, 4‐session, manualized, cognitive behaviour therapy‐based intervention for voices (named coping strategy enhancement therapy) and 144 commenced therapy, at a transdiagnostic voices clinic based in Sussex, UK. This article reports on the value of depression, anxiety, stress, insight into the origin of voices, length of voice hearing, and demographics in the prediction of engagement and outcomes. The study found that higher levels of baseline depression, anxiety, and stress were significantly associated with poorer outcomes, especially if clients also had high levels of voice‐related distress. The engagement analyses showed that levels of voice‐related distress at baseline predicted dropout. These findings highlight the importance of assessing negative affect and voice‐related distress prior to commencing therapy for distressing voices, to help determine if the client is suitable or ready for brief‐coping strategy enhancement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objectives: To document the prevalence of clinically normal air conduction thresholds (0.5-4 kHz, bilaterally, ≤20 dB HL) among children and adults in a large audiology service and to estimate the prevalence of auditory processing disorder (APD). Design: Over a period of one year, clinicians implemented their usual protocol and recorded a brief history for those with normal audiometry. Study Sample: The number of people seen by the service was 2924 children (0-16 years old) and 4757 adults (17-100 years old). Results: Adults and school-age children were most commonly referred by their primary care doctor for difficulties listening in noise or following a conversation, and younger children by their home health visitor for speech production problems. Children tended to be referred on to speech pathology or APD clinics whereas adults were discharged. Conclusions: The prevalence of normal cases was 5.1% among the children and 0.9% among all adults. For younger adults (17-60 years, n == 1025), the prevalence was 4.0%. Based on comparison with those referred with hearing loss, we estimate the prevalence of APD among children and adults, defined as listening problems despite normal audiometry, to be about 0.5-1.0% of the general population. Sumario Objetivos: Documentar la prevalencia de umbrales aéreos clínicamente normales (0.5 - 4 kHz bilateralmente ≤20 dB HL) en niños y adultos en un servicio de audiología grande y estimar la prevalencia de trastornos de procesamiento central de la audición (APD). Diseño: Por un periodo de 1 año, los clínicos implementaron su protocolo acostumbrado y obtuvieron una historia breve de aquellos con audiometría normal. Muestra: la cantidad de personas vistas en el servicio fueron 2924 niños (0 a 16 años de edad) y 4757 adultos (17 a 100 años de edad). Resultados: Por lo regular, los adultos y los niños en edad escolar fueron referidos por su médico de contacto primario por dificultades para escuchar en ruido o para seguir una conversación, y los niños pequeños fueron referidos por su visitador de salud por problemas en la producción del lenguaje. La tendencia fue que los niños fueran referidos al terapeuta del lenguaje o clínicas APD, en tanto que los adultos eran dados de alta. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de audición normal fue de 5.1% entre los niños y 0.9% entre los adultos. La prevalencia entre los adulos jóvenes (17-60 años, n==1025) fue de 4%. Basados en la comparación con aquellos referidos con hipoacusia, estimamos que la prevalencia de APD entre los niños y adultos, definida como problemas de escucha a pesar de una audiometría normal normal, es de 0.5 - 1 % en la población general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Objective: The SCAN-A (Keith, 1994) is a test for auditory processing disorders in adolescents aged 11++ and adults developed in the USA. It was previously found that the children's version (the SCAN-C) over diagnoses auditory processing disorder in UK children. This study was conducted to assess the use of the SCAN-A with UK adults. Design: Comparison of UK adult's SCAN-A performance to US-based normative data. Study Sample: 31 UK adults aged 19 to 64 years (M 24, sd 10). Results: The UK sample scored significantly worse on three subtests: the Filtered Words (FW), Competing Words (CW) and Competing Sentences (CS) sections as well as on the Total Score. Conclusions: Applying US norms to UK adult's performance results in a high rate of over-identification of listening difficulties. Alternative UK norms are provided and implications for use of the SCAN-A with UK adolescents and adults are discussed. Sumario Objetivo: El SCAN-A (Keith, 1994) es una prueba para trastornos de procesamiento auditivo en adolescentes de máás de 11 añños y en adultos, desarrollada en los EEUU. Se encontróó previamente que la versióón para niñños (SCAN-C) sobre-diagnostica trastornos de procesamiento auditivo en niñños del Reino Unido. Este estudio fue conducido para evaluar el uso del SCAN-A en adultos del Reino Unido. Diseñño: Comparacióón del desempeñño con el SCAN-A de adultos del Reino Unido con los datos normativos de los EEUU. Muestra Del Estudio: Treinta y uno adultos del Reino Unido con edades entre los 19 y los 64 añños (M 24, sd 10). Resultados: La muestra del Reino Unido obtuvo un resultado significativamente peor en tres sub-pruebas: las secciones de Palabras Filtradas (FW), de Palabras en Competencia (CW) y de Frases en Competencia (CS), asíí como en el puntaje total. Conclusiones: La aplicacióón de normas de los EEUU al desempeñño de adultos del Reino Unido resulta en una alta tasa de sobre-identificacióón de trastornos de audicióón. Se proporcionan normas alternativas para el Reino Unido y se discuten las implicaciones para el uso del SCAN-A en adolescentes y adultos del Reino Unido. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine if the school-entry hearing screening (SEHS) programme continues to make a useful contribution to the identification of childhood hearing impairment in the light of the recent implementation of universal newborn hearing screening, and thereby to inform future policy development. Design: Postal questionnaire survey to determine current implementation and effectiveness of SEHS Setting: 244 school health services managed within primary care and acute trusts throughout the UK. Participants: 229 SEHS service leads approached; 195 responded. Main outcome measure: Details of implementation; positive predictive value of the screening test and its referral criteria. Results: Implementation of the SEHS is variable, and there is no national approach to data collection, audit and quality assurance. Less than 10% of services had available robust data. The yield from screening ranges from 0.05% to 0.59% for permanent sensorineural hearing impairment and from 0.07% to 0.44% for permanent conductive hearing impairment. The positive predictive values from screen referral vary from 0.62% to 12.16% for permanent sensorineural hearing impairment and 1.24% to 17.56% for permanent conductive hearing impairment. Conclusion: This comprehensive survey provides a previously unavailable national examination of the SEHS. The few available data on yield indicate that the SEHS may have a small but important role to play in identification of childhood hearing impairment, but the overwhelming conclusion is the urgent need for national guidelines on implementation of this screening programme to determine its value since the implementation nationally of universal newborn hearing screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]