PP321 - The Relationship Between Cognivue Screening Performance and Auditory Processing Skills

Abstract:
Higher order factors such as cognition are believed to influence central auditory processing. To rule out this influence, cognitive assessments are often used as part of an Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) test battery.

Cognivue is a relatively new option for cognitive screening in audiology practice (Harris, 2021). It’s a computerized self-administered cognitive assessment that quantifies five cognitive factors: 3 cognitive domains (memory, visuospatial, and executive functions) and 2 processing parameters (reaction time and processing speed).

This research study will examine the association between the performance on the Cognivue test, and multiple basic measures of central auditory processing in young adults.

Summary:
Introduction
Auditory perceptual impairments are viewed as multi factorial learning problems (Dawes et al. 2009), where cognition can be implicated. Furthermore, variance in auditory processing has been linked to individual differences in cognitive function (Humes 2005). Thus, cognitive assessments are often added to the diagnostic protocol of auditory processing disorders (APD).

Cognivue is a relatively new, computerized cognitive assessment that provides automated administration and scoring. It requires less time and is a feasible alternative to the paper-and-pencil, traditional cognitive assessments often used in audiology practice.

Objectives
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the relationship between Cognivue performance and behavioral central auditory processing skills. Put differently, this study seeks to answer the research question of: Do individuals with lower auditory processing performance demonstrate a specific Cognivue/ cognitive profile?

Subjects
A total of 15 subjects will participate in this study. Subjects will include young adults (age range:18 – 26 years old) with normal hearing sensitivity (defined as audiometric thresholds ≤ 25 dB HL for the octave frequencies 250 through 8000 Hz). Subjects’ middle ear function will be screened using case history, otoscopic examination, immitance measurements and acoustic reflexes.

Procedures
Subjects will be administered a comprehensive APD test battery: the Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders in Adolescents and Adults (SCAN-3:A) and the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment (MAPA) test as well as the Cognivue test.

Anticipated Findings
This study is currently in progress. Linear multiple regression analyses will be performed to evaluate the relationship between the cognitive and auditory processing sets of variables. This pilot dataset is part of a larger study that evaluates the effects of aging on this association. We anticipate that the findings of this investigation will contribute to the understanding of APD diagnoses in the adult population.