Spatial processing disorder (SPD) is a condition where individuals are less able to process differences in the timing and intensity (and hence directionality) of auditory signals arriving at the ears from different locations in the environment.  As a result, those with SPD have difficulty understanding speech when noise is coming from different directions around them.  Previous research has shown that SPD is a major cause of central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) in children with normal peripheral hearing.  However, hearing impaired persons frequently report problems understanding speech in background noise, and it remains unclear how much of this difficulty is attributable to deterioration in functions of the central auditory nervous system, such as spatial processing , and how much can be explained by reduced audibility and frequency selectivity due to the peripheral hearing loss.  This research project is investigating the prevalence of SPD in the hearing impaired, and will assess whether SPD can be remediated in this population.

Our research uses the Listening in Spatialized Noise – Sentences test (LiSN-S) – a diagnostic test for auditory processing disorder.  We will also be using the LiSN & Learn auditory training software – a remediation tool for SPD.  Both the LiSN-S and LiSN & Learn will be fitted with a hearing aid simulator to enable assessment and remediation of hearing impaired persons.