Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is best diagnosed by:

• A Pure tone audiometry showing bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
• B Auditory brainstem response (ABR) showing prolonged wave I latency
• C Behavioural tests using dichotic listening, temporal processing and speech-in-noise tasks with normal peripheral hearing ✓
• D Otoacoustic emission testing showing absent DPOAEs bilaterally

Explanation

CAPD is a deficit in auditory processing in the central nervous system, occurring despite normal peripheral hearing (normal pure tone audiogram and OAEs). Diagnosis requires a battery of behavioural tests that stress the central auditory pathways: dichotic listening (competing stimuli to each ear), temporal processing (gap detection, pattern recognition), and speech-in-noise discrimination. ABR wave I latency reflects peripheral cochlear nerve conduction; CAPD typically shows normal or abnormal central waves (III, V) with preserved wave I.

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.