Evaluation of auditory processing abilities using central auditory processing disorder tests in older children

This study was designed to test whether or not a battery of Central Auditory Processing Disorder tests can be used as standardized screening measure for the disorder. Currently there is not standardized measure to screen and diagnose CAPD despite the fact that prevalence of this disorder is on the rise. This study was also designed to investigate how children classified as being in an older age group (7 years old to 11 year old) would perform on the tests compared to children in a younger age group (4 years old to 6 years old). Results of this study found evidence that the children in the older age group naturally outperformed the children in the younger group. Despite the fact that some tests in the battery were deemed to be more difficult that others based on the children's performance, results suggested that one's auditory processing abilities improve with age. Results also suggested that a test battery could be used as an effective screening measure but only if norms for each age are standardized.