Behavioral assessment of auditory processing in adulthood: population of interest and tests - a systematic review

PURPOSE: To identify the behavioral tests used to assess auditory processing throughout adulthood, focusing on the characteristics of the target population as an interest group. RESEARCH STRATEGIES: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Scielo, databases were searched with descriptors: “auditory perception” or “auditory perception disorders” or “auditory processing” or “central auditory processing” or “auditory processing disorders” or “central auditory processing disorders” with adults OR aging. SELECTION CRITERIA: Studies with humans included, the adult population from 18 to 64 years old, who performed at least one behavioral test to assess auditory processing in the absence of hearing loss. DATA ANALYSIS: Data extraction was performed independently, using a protocol developed by the authors that included different topics, mainly the behavioral auditory tests performed and the results found. RESULTS: Of the 867 records identified, 24 contained the information needed to answer the survey questions. CONCLUSION: Almost all studies were conducted verify performance in one or two auditory processing tests. The target target population was heterogeneous, with the most frequent persons with diabetes, stuttering, auditory processing disorder, and noise exposure. There is little information regarding benchmarks for testing in the respective age groups.