Efficacy of a deficit specific auditory training program for remediation of temporal patterning deficits

<b>Objective: </b>To determine the efficacy of a targeted auditory training programme as a remediation approach for children diagnosed with a temporal patterning disorder. <b>Design: </b>Temporal Patterning scores were determined at two-time points pre-intervention and again post-training. Measures were then repeated in half of the participants after a further non-training period to determine the sustainability of effects. Cognitive skills and outcome measures were assessed at all time-points. <b>Study Sample: </b>Ten children aged between 7 and 12 years of age, diagnosed with a temporal patterning processing disorder, were enrolled in the training programme. <b>Results: </b>A group mean of 9.2 hours training was completed. <b>Conclusion: </b>Significant, sustainable improvements on the Frequency Pattern Test were found (2.5 SD increase in score relative to mean of age matched-peers) at the completion of training. Duration of training did not predict the degree of improvement. Cognitive skills did not show significant changes in ability. Significant, sustainable improvements in temporal patterning ability were seen after completion of the training programme. No associated changes in cognitive skills were seen, suggesting independence of the skills. Deficit-specific approaches are available across the traditional test battery, however, determining the appropriate management plan for a child diagnosed with an auditory processing disorder requires a patient-centric approach.

**研究目标：** 评估针对性听觉训练方案作为时间模式加工障碍（temporal patterning processing disorder）儿童康复手段的有效性。
**研究设计：** 分别于干预前与训练后两个时间点测定时间模式得分；在后续一段无训练周期后，对半数受试者重复开展测量，以明确训练效果的可持续性。所有时间点均对认知能力与结局指标进行评估。
**研究样本：** 招募10名年龄介于7至12岁、确诊为时间模式加工障碍的儿童参与本训练方案。
**研究结果：** 受试者群体平均完成训练时长为9.2小时。
**研究结论：** 训练结束后，受试者在频率模式测试（Frequency Pattern Test）中取得了具有统计学意义且可持续的成绩提升，相较年龄匹配同伴的平均分提升2.5个标准差。训练时长无法预测改善程度；认知能力未出现显著变化。训练方案实施后，受试者的时间模式能力出现了具有统计学意义且可持续的提升，而认知能力未发生显著变化，提示二者能力相互独立。针对传统测试组合中的特定缺陷已有可行干预手段，但为听觉加工障碍（auditory processing disorder）儿童制定恰当的管理方案需采用以患者为中心的诊疗思路。