Auditory processing disorder (APD) in a school-aged child manifests despite normal peripheral hearing thresholds on pure-tone audiometry. Which test specifically assesses central auditory processing?

• A Pure-tone audiometry with insert earphones
• B Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing
• C Acoustic reflex thresholds at 500–4000 Hz
• D Dichotic digits test (or dichotic listening tasks) ✓

Explanation

Auditory processing disorder (APD/CAPD) involves deficits in the processing of auditory signals by the central auditory nervous system despite normal peripheral hearing. Assessment requires dedicated central auditory processing tests: dichotic listening tasks (dichotic digits, competing sentences), auditory figure-ground tests, temporal processing tasks (gap detection, pattern recognition), and binaural interaction tests. Pure-tone audiometry, OAEs, and acoustic reflexes test peripheral/middle ear function and cannot diagnose APD. Diagnosis requires age-appropriate normative data and testing in specialised settings.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.