Preliminary Report on the Efficacy of the Dichotic Offset Training Program in Auditory Integration Processing Disorder: A Single-Subject Study
TL;DR
The first Persian development of the dichotic offset training program appears to be a promising intervention for children with APD (integration subcategory), and by enhancing binaural hearing skills, this approach may considerably improve the brain regions responsible for dichotic processing.
Abstract
Background and Aim: Auditory integration deficit is a complex typs of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). This is due to its association with specific brain regions such as the corpus callosum and angular gyrus, which are key areas for multisensory integration. This study introduced the first Persian development of the dichotic offset training program. It presents preliminary findings on its efficacy when delivered in-person versus on-line. Methods: In this single-subject study, two children, aged 13 years, diagnosed with auditory integration deficit, participated. The main intervention consisted of 8–14 sessions of Persian- Dichotic Offset Training (P-DOT), followed by post-treatment follow-up assessments utilizing two methods of treatment delivery: in-person and on-line. Data collected via Persian-Buffalo Model Questionnaire-Revised (P-BMQ-R), Persian Randomized Dichotic Digits Test (P-RDDT), Persian-Dichotic Offset Test (P-DOT), and Persian-Staggered Spondee Word (P-SSW) and analyzed employing a single-subject statistical formula. Results: The results suggest that the treatment effectively reduced integration problems in both in-person and on-line methods, as indicated by competitive left ear stimulus, Type A pattern, and qualitative error IX, the left ear performance, and the questionnaire scores. Both delivery methods proved effective, but online administration showed slightly superior outcomes. Conclusion: The P-DOT Program, especially in its on-line method, appears to be a promising intervention for children with APD (integration subcategory). By enhancing binaural hearing skills, this approach may considerably improve the brain regions responsible for dichotic processing. These preliminary single-subject findings, pending confirmation through larger-scale studies, particularly Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) studies, may inform evidence-based clinical protocols for audiologists.