Development and evaluation of the program for auditory training in the correction of central auditory processing disorders

The main indication for auditory training is central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), which inevitably develops in patients with the chronic sensorineural hearing loss as a consequence of auditory deprivation. Patients with CAPD have difficulties with understanding complex signals, especially, speech in background noise. The aim of the study was to create the optimal algorithm of auditory training for adult hearing aid users with poor speech-in-noise recognition. In total, 19 adult hearing aid users with chronic moderate sensorineural hearing loss and signs of CAPD including decreased speech intelligibility in noise participated in the study: 12 patients from 19 to 22 years old and seven patients from 60 to 74 years old. Auditory training lasted for eight weeks, with lessons two times a week during 60 minutes. Tonal threshold audiometry, evaluation of central auditory system functioning and speech audiometry in a free field were performed. Significant improvement of verbal and nonverbal signals perception and of speech intelligibility in noise was detected in all hearing aid users after auditory training. The algorithm of auditory training with the use of the following tasks was developed: 1) discrimination of signals varied in duration, frequency, and intensity; 2) discrimination of speech stimuli, including speech in background noise. The tasks should gradually become more complicated during the training. Auditory training improves central auditory pathways functioning, which makes it essential to be included in the rehabilitation of hearing aid users with poor speech-in-noise recognition.