Comment on Ahmmed (2021): The Search for Evidence-Based Auditory Processing Disorder Diagnostic Criteria

Evidence Based

Purpose Ahmmed (2021) presented a study to advance the goal of an evidence-based diagnostic criteria for auditory processing disorder. We offer some cautions about the interpretation of these results, as well as suggestions for future strategies for developing evidence-based criteria for auditory processing disorder.

Toward Evidence-Based Practice in the Auditory Processing Disorder Clinic

Perspectives on Audiology ◽

10.1044/poa4.1.9 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 4 (1) ◽

pp. 9-14 ◽

Author(s):

Patti M. Johnstone

Keyword(s):

Decision Making ◽

Population Health ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Clinical Decision Making ◽

Pediatric Population ◽

Clinical Decision ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Vocal Cues ◽

Research Paradigms

Abstract Audiologists are seeking evidence to guide clinical decision-making regarding the tests used to diagnose auditory processing disorder (APD) in children. Novel research paradigms using a population health framework hold promise in helping clinicians understand the prevalence, profile, and social underpinnings of APD in the general pediatric population. In addition, tests employing novel stimuli like speech-evoked auditory potentials or spatial and vocal cues may lead the way toward a new and more reliable APD test battery.

Narrative Review of Evidence Based Intervention Approaches for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/persp2.sig2.152 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 2 (2) ◽

pp. 152-156 ◽

Author(s):

Moumita Choudhury ◽

Patricia Chavira

Keyword(s):

Current Literature ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Narrative Review ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Short Term ◽

Treatment Approaches

This review studies the current literature available on intervention approaches of auditory processing disorder (APDAPD intervention approaches should be based on specific deficits and customized to accommodate the needs of each patient. The discussion on the efficacy of various APD treatment approaches suggested that there is lack of evidence that short-term intervention improves auditory functioning. Increased understanding of the pathophysiologic bases of APD and systematic long-term research on APD interventions would fill the gaps in our knowledge and provide more definitive intervention recommendations.

A transdisciplinary protocol evaluating auditory processing disorder (APD) in children using speech and non-speech stimuli and tools for common co-morbidities: time to re-evaluate APD diagnostic criteria

Hearing Balance and Communication ◽

10.1080/21695717.2020.1753416 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 1-8 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ansar Uddin Ahmmed

Keyword(s):

Diagnostic Criteria ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Speech Stimuli

Clinical Expertise Is Core to an Evidence-Based Approach to Auditory Processing Disorder: A Reply to Neijenhuis et al. 2019

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2019.01096 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Vasiliki Iliadou ◽

Christiane Kiese-Himmel ◽

Doris-Eva Bamiou ◽

Helen Grech ◽

Martin Ptok ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Auditory Processing ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Clinical Expertise

Auditory Processing Disorder and Auditory/Language Interventions: An Evidence-Based Systematic Review

Language Speech and Hearing Services in Schools ◽

10.1044/0161-1461(2010/10-0013) ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 42 (3) ◽

pp. 246-264 ◽

Cited By ~ 46

Author(s):

Marc E. Fey ◽

Gail J. Richard ◽

Donna Geffner ◽

Alan G. Kamhi ◽

Larry Medwetsky ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Language Interventions

An Evidence-Based Perspective on “Misconceptions” Regarding Pediatric Auditory Processing Disorder

Frontiers in Neurology ◽

10.3389/fneur.2019.00287 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 10 ◽

Author(s):

Karin Neijenhuis ◽

Nicole G. Campbell ◽

Martin Cromb ◽

Margreet R. Luinge ◽

David R. Moore ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Auditory Processing ◽

Evidence Based

Combination of Comorbidities as a Reference Standard for Evaluating Auditory Processing Disorder: Response to the Letter to the Editor From Schow et al. (2021)

American Journal of Audiology ◽

10.1044/2021_aja-21-00141 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-4

Author(s):

Ansar U. Ahmmed

Keyword(s):

Sensitivity And Specificity ◽

Language Impairment ◽

Visual Processing ◽

Auditory Processing ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Reference Standard ◽

Research Domain Criteria ◽

Low Sensitivity ◽

Research Domain

Purpose Concerns expressed by Schow et al. (2021) around the evidence-based diagnostic criteria suggested by Ahmmed (2021a) are addressed here. The use of combination of comorbidities as a reference standard for evaluating auditory processing tests is a valid strategy, consistent with the Research Domain Criteria framework from the National Institute of Mental Health as well as the Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies. The correlations between auditory processing tests and some comorbidities in Ahmmed (2021a) were significant at p < .01. The low sensitivity and specificity reported was not to be related to the principle of using comorbidities as a reference standard but due to the choice of comorbidities combined in the reference standard. Ahmmed (2021a) suggested the option of inclusion of other comorbidities in addition to language impairment and impaired manual dexterity in the reference standard. Visual processing impairment could be considered as the additional comorbidity to improve sensitivity and specificity of the approach suggested by Ahmmed (2021a).