An initial investigation into the validity of a computer-based auditory processing assessment (Feather Squadron).
OBJECTIVE
This research investigates a novel method for identifying and measuring school-aged children with poor auditory processing through a tablet computer.


METHODS
Feasibility and test-retest reliability are investigated by examining the percentage of Group 1 participants able to complete the tasks and developmental effects on performance. Concurrent validity was investigated against traditional tests of auditory processing using Group 2.


METHODS
There were 847 students aged 5 to 13 years in group 1, and 46 aged 5 to 14 years in group 2.


RESULTS
Some tasks could not be completed by the youngest participants. Significant correlations were found between results of most auditory processing areas assessed by the Feather Squadron test and traditional auditory processing tests. Test-retest comparisons indicated good reliability for most of the Feather Squadron assessments and some of the traditional tests.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate the Feather Squadron assessment is a time-efficient, feasible, concurrently valid, and reliable approach for measuring auditory processing in school-aged children. Clinically, this may be a useful option for audiologists when performing auditory processing assessments as it is a relatively fast, engaging, and easy way to assess auditory processing abilities. Research is needed to investigate further the construct validity of this new assessment by examining the association between performance on Feather Squadron and objective evoked potential, lesion studies, and/or functional imaging measures of auditory function.
a Speech Science, School of Psychology, University of Auckland , New Zealand.
Matthew D
MD
Barker
a Speech Science, School of Psychology, University of Auckland , New Zealand.
Suzanne C
SC
Purdy
D000293:Adolescent; D001308:Auditory Perceptual Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018910:Video Games
Behavioral measures; pediatric; psychoacoustics/hearing science; speech perception