Lack of a coherent theory limits the diagnostic and prognostic value of the (central) auditory processing disorder: a theoretical and clinical perspective.
Curr Opin Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2022;
30:326-331. [PMID:
36004792 DOI:
10.1097/moo.0000000000000833]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
To consider pertinent issues towards developing a coherent theory of the auditory processing disorder (APD). By identifying the conceptual and methodological shortcomings that have thwarted development in this area for decades, we propose solutions to achieve a veridical endpoint to advance the field.
RECENT FINDINGS
Concerted efforts in the theoretical, experimental, and clinical domains have focused on validating the APD by demonstrating the " modality specificity " of the deficit. The importance of this conceptual framework is the delineation of auditory-perceptual dysfunctions from more generalized " supra modal" deficits, like those related to attention, memory, and language. Because contemporary schemata have limited the assessment of APD to auditory tasks alone ( unimodal testing), functional dissociations cannot be established, indeterminate diagnoses are problematic, and progress remains unduly constrained. The use of matched tasks in multiple sensory modalities is advocated as a diagnostic imperative to remedy this deficiency.
SUMMARY
Themes covered by this review include the need to develop a coherent theory of APD, to identify and limit factors which confound a valid diagnosis, and to validate the diagnosis by demonstrating the " modality specificity " of the deficit. Without an obligatory theoretical designation, the APD will remain as an obscure and controversial entity, limited to indeterminate test results and misdiagnoses.
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