Auditory processing disorders, verbal disfluency, and learning difficulties: a case study

Temporal processing and long-latency auditory evoked potential in stutterers

Introduction

Stuttering is a speech fluency disorder, and may be associated with neuroaudiological factors linked to central auditory processing, including changes in auditory processing skills and temporal resolution.

Objective

To characterize the temporal processing and long-latency auditory evoked potential in stutterers and to compare them with non-stutterers.

Methods

The study included 41 right-handed subjects, aged 18–46 years, divided into two groups: stutterers (n = 20) and non-stutters (n = 21), compared according to age, education, and sex. All subjects were submitted to the duration pattern tests, random gap detection test, and long-latency auditory evoked potential.

Results

Individuals who stutter showed poorer performance on Duration Pattern and Random Gap Detection tests when compared with fluent individuals. In the long-latency auditory evoked potential, there was a difference in the latency of N2 and P3 components; stutterers had higher latency values.

Conclusion

Stutterers have poor performance in temporal processing and higher latency values for N2 and P3 components.

Estudo de caso discutido à luz das diferentes abordagens para a terapia da gagueira

TEMA: na atualidade, a gagueira pode apresentar definições distintas de acordo com a abordagem defendida pelos autores para fundamentar tal distúrbio. O trabalho tem como objetivo discutir tais abordagens na terapia do caso em questão, aplicando suas técnicas terapêuticas e adequando-as conforme o contexto em questão e a aceitação do indivíduo para com as atividades, promovendo o desenvolvimento dos objetivos, procedimentos e técnicas utilizados na terapêutica para a gagueira. PROCEDIMENTOS: estudo longitudinal de um paciente de 14 anos, atendido em dois momentos: entre 2005/2006, ano em que recebeu alta com indicação de monitoramento, e 2008/2009 época em que retorna ao atendimento devido à recidiva. No estudo, são consideradas as diferentes abordagens: psicolinguística da fluência, neurolinguística e motora da gagueira, vertente contextualizada e abordagem fenomenológica da gagueira. RESULTADOS: na evolução, observou-se a diminuição considerável da gagueira e dos movimentos compensatórios, bem como, comportamento e postura adequados e uma melhor socialização. CONCLUSÃO: o estudo das abordagens consideradas na terapia propiciou a realização do atendimento que atingiu os objetivos propostos. Além disso, o paciente contribuiu no direcionamento da terapia conforme sua aceitação e aplicação em sua vida, revelando, dessa forma, quais condutas foram mais efetivas e puderam contribuir de forma mais direta com a sua qualidade de vida e sua evolução.

Auditory processing disorder and speech perception problems in noise: finding the underlying origin

PURPOSE

A hallmark listening problem of individuals presenting with auditory processing disorder (APD) is their poor recognition of speech in noise. The underlying perceptual problem of the listening difficulties in unfavorable listening conditions is unknown. The objective of this article was to demonstrate theoretically how to determine whether the speech recognition problems are related to an auditory dysfunction, a language-based dysfunction, or a combination of both.

METHOD

Tests such as the Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN) test allow the exploration of the auditory and language-based functions involved in speech perception in noise, which is not possible with most other speech-in-noise tests. Psychometric functions illustrating results from hypothetical groups of individuals with APD on the SPIN test are presented. This approach makes it possible to postulate about the origin of the speech perception problems in noise.

CONCLUSION

APD is a complex and heterogeneous disorder for which the underlying deficit is currently unclear. Because of their design, SPIN-like tests can potentially be used to identify the nature of the deficits underlying problems with speech perception in noise for this population. A better understanding of the difficulties with speech perception in noise experienced by many listeners with APD should lead to more efficient intervention programs.