Central auditory functions in post-COVID-19 adults; a case control study

Abstract

Abstract Background This study aimed to evaluate the central auditory abilities in post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) adults by using Central Auditory Tests (CATs). This study included a complaining group (GI), a non-complaining group (GII), and a control healthy group (GIII). All subjects were evaluated using CATs Results Results demonstrated statistically significant differences across groups as regards Speech Perception in Noise Test (SPIN), Duration Pattern Sequence Test (DPT), Gap in Noise Test (GIN), and Memory Test (ANOVA, p-value ≤ 0.05). The post-hoc test revealed that, except for recognition memory, both study groups showed statistically significant differences from the control group. Also, significant differences were detected between both GI and GII groups regarding SPIN−10 signal-to-noise ratio (S/N), DPT, GIN threshold, memory for content, and memory for sequence Conclusions COVID-19 led to central auditory processing disorders (c)APD.

Keywords

• Auditory processing disorders (APD)
• Central auditory tests (CATs)
• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• Duration Pattern Sequence Test (DPT)
• Gap in Noise Test (GIN)
• Speech Perception in Noise (SPIN)