Evaluation of test outcome equivalency of different test versions in assessing for auditory processing disorder

Abstract

The assessment of auditory processing disorder (APD) is complicated by many factors. One of these factors is the availability of numerous tests and test versions that are use clinically, in the absence of a standardized test battery. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine if three different versions of the DD test (Auditec, Audiology Illustrated, and VA) and three different versions of the FP test (Auditec, Audiology Illustrated, and VA), resulted in the same or different performance in older adults, in order to help lessen the ambiguity of APD assessment. The methods of this study included administering the DD and FP test versions, according to published guidelines, to older adults and comparing their scores to published normative data. The data was analyzed using a repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) for each DD test version and each FP test version, in order to compare the mean test scores for each version. The results of this study indicated significant differences across the FP and DD test versions. The VA FP test version and Audiology Illustrated or Auditec DD test versions were recommended for clinical use.