Elif Kuru, Büşra Uludağ, Özlem Konukseven
The Journal of International Advanced Otology - 2025;21(6):1-8
BACKGROUND: Auditory attention, a complex cognitive function crucial for learning and effective communication, plays a vital role in children's academic and social development. This study aims to develop a rapid, reliable, and age-appropriate assessment tool to evaluate frequency-based auditory attention in children, addressing a current gap in standardized testing for auditory and cognitive processing abilities. METHODS: This study included 40 typically developed children (20 females, 20 males) aged 10-13 years. A frequency-based auditory attention test (FBAAT) was developed using filtered monosyllabic word lists representing low, mid, high, and general frequency ranges. The lists were presented in quiet and in +10 dB signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) background noise conditions. Participants identified pre-defined target words by pressing a button. Test-retest reliability was assessed in a subgroup of participants. RESULTS: The FBAAT was administered to each participant. Gender differences were minimal, with males scoring significantly higher only on the general list in the background noise condition (P = .01). Background noise (+10 dB SNR) significantly reduced performance in the general list compared to the condition without noise (P = .04). General and low-frequency lists yielded better recognition scores than mid- and high-frequency lists (P < .05). However, there were no significant differences between the general and low-frequency lists, nor between the mid- and high-Frequency lists (P > .05). Test-retest reliability analysis indicated no significant differences between initial and retest scores (P > .05), confirming consistency over time. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings suggest that the Turkish FBAAT is feasible and demonstrates acceptable test-retest reliability in typically developing children; however, further research is needed to validate and generalize these results.
