Auditory temporal processing deficits and language disorders in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1.
Previous findings from a case report led to the argument of whether other patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) may have abnormal central auditory function, particularly auditory temporal processing. We hypothesized that it is associated with language and learning disabilities in this population. The aim of this study was to measure central auditory temporal function in NF1 patients and correlate it with the results of language evaluation tests. A descriptive/comparative study including 25 NF1 individuals and 22 healthy controls compared their performances on audiometric evaluation and auditory behavioral testing (Sequential Verbal Memory, Sequential Non-Verbal Memory, Frequency Pattern, Duration Pattern, and Gaps in Noise Tests). To assess language performance, two tests (phonological and syntactic awareness) were also conducted. The study showed that all participants had normal peripheral acoustic hearing. Differences were found between the NF1 and control groups in the temporal auditory processing tests [Sequential Verbal Memory (P=0.009), Sequential Non-Verbal Memory (P=0.028), Frequency Patterns (P=0.001), Duration Patterns (P=0.000), and Gaps in Noise (P=0.000)] and in language tests. The results of Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated the presence of positive correlations between the phonological awareness test and Frequency Patterns humming (r=0.560, P=0.001), Frequency Patterns labeling (r=0.415, P=0.022) and Duration Pattern humming (r=0.569, P=0.001). These results suggest that the neurofibromin deficiency found in NF1 patients is associated with auditory temporal processing deficits, which may contribute to the cognitive impairment, learning disabilities, and attention deficits that are common in this disorder.


OBJECTIVE
The reader will be able to: (1) describe the auditory temporal processing in patients with neurofibromatosis type 1; and (2) describe the impact of the auditory temporal deficits in language in this population.
Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Pollyanna Barros
PB
Batista
Department of Speech Therapy and Audiology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Stela Maris Aguiar
SM
Lemos
Clinical Coordinator at the Neurofibromatosis Outpatient Reference Center (NFRC), Dermatology Service, Clinics Hospital of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Luiz Oswaldo Carneiro
LO
Rodrigues
Clinical Director of NFRC, Department of Internal Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Electronic address: narezende@terra.com.br.
Nilton Alves
NA
de Rezende
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001299:Audiometry; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007806:Language Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007807:Language Tests; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D055815:Young Adult
Auditory temporal processing; Cognitive deficits; Hearing disorders; Language; Learning disabilities; Neurofibromatosis type 1