Abstract

Auditory processing impairments negatively impact language learning, the ability to listen effectively in noisy environments, and the development of reading skills. Behavioral assessments of auditory processing provide valuable insight into auditory function but lack information about the biological health of the auditory pathway, and can be complicated by comorbid disorders, alertness, and motivation. The speech-evoked auditory brainstem response has recently been linked to communication skills such as speech-in-noise perception and reading ability and provides additional insight for the diagnosis and management of auditory processing disorders. This paper reviews how objective biological measures of auditory function can be used to reveal auditory system dysfunction in the absence of hearing loss.

Keywords: Auditory brainstem, auditory processing disorders, children, electrophysiology, neurophysiology, speech-in-noise perception