Characteristics associated with auditory processing disorders: a systematic review

There is still no consensus about the nature of auditory processing disorders (APD). One of the most frequently reported symptoms for APD is difficulties with hearing and listening, especially in the presence of background noise, despite having normal peripheral hearing (ASHA, 2005; Jerger & Musiek, 2000). It is unclear whether there is a behavioral characteristic or whole set of symptoms that is solely attributable to problems with auditory processing. Such a distinctive feature could help audiologists and speech-language pathologists to differentiate APD from other developmental disorders. The purpose of this systematic review is to evaluate the literature on characteristics of children with suspected APD and to determine whether there is a distinctive feature.