Auditory Processing Disorders: gender comparative data
Autor(es): Maura Lígia Sanchez, Adriana Gonzaga Chaves, Ana Maria Maaz Alvarez, Rodrigo de Paiva Tangerina
Introduction: Auditory function is mediated by the action of the central auditory system, whose function - to compare groups of information and to analyze similarities and differences - is critical for auditory perceptual processes. Prevalence data for Auditory Processing Disorder are sparse, particularly for children. Estimates of APD in children range from 2 to 7% with a 2:1 ratio between boys and girls.
Objective: To investigate the prevalence of Auditory Processing Disorders between male e female population and to verify if there are age-related prevalence changes. Methods: Retrospective study of 656 individuals from 6 to 14 years old referred upon medical recommendation for a behavioral central auditory function evaluation in order to determine the existence of auditory deficits underlying speech language impairment, learning disability, and attention deficit complaints. Results: female population represents 36.57% of the altered results, while the male population represents 63.43%. The presence of altered results among the female population varied between 21.74% and 35.00%, and among the male population between 28.00% and 63.64%. Discussion: The higher prevalence among male population (1.73:1 ratio) is in accord with the estimated ratio. There was less variation of altered results among female population and important age-related decline in APD among male population between 10 and 14 years old. These gender-related differences in the variation of altered results lead to age-related differences in ratio between female and male population and may be an important factor to be considered in the analysis of auditory processing disorders academics interference. Conclusion: Male population is more affected by APD than the female population. Age-related prevalence changes are more evident among the male population.
Dados de publicação Página(s) : p.98 URL (endereço digital) : http://www.sbfa.org.br/portal/suplementorsbfa
