As practitioners in the field of speech-language pathology, making data-driven decisions is paramount to achieving the best outcomes for children. A recent study titled A proposed behavioral tool to assess sustained auditory attention published in the Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology offers valuable insights into assessing sustained auditory attention in children. This blog aims to summarize the findings of the study and discuss how practitioners can implement these outcomes to improve their skills and encourage further research.
Sustained attention is a critical component of cognitive development, especially in children. It allows them to focus on tasks for extended periods, which is essential for learning and development. The study conducted by Feniman et al. (2007) proposes a simple, easy, and quick behavioral tool known as the Sustained Auditory Attention Ability Test (SAAAT). This test is based on the Continuous Performance Test (CPT) and aims to measure the capacity for sustained auditory attention in children aged 6 to 11 years.
The study involved 280 Brazilian children with normal peripheral hearing. The SAAAT consists of a binaural and diotic presentation of a list of 100 monosyllabic words, with a target monosyllable included 20 times. The test was administered in a soundproofed room using a CD player attached to a two-channel audiometer at 50 dBSL for 9 minutes. The test resulted in a total score and a vigilance decrement, which were used to assess the children's sustained auditory attention.
The results indicated no statistically significant difference between genders, but a significant difference was found between ages. Younger children exhibited more errors in sustained attention, which decreased as the children aged. This finding aligns with existing literature, suggesting that older children have better-developed attention spans due to improved cognitive processing mechanisms.
For practitioners, the SAAAT provides a valuable tool to assess sustained auditory attention in children effectively. Here are some practical steps to implement this tool in your practice:
- Preparation: Ensure you have a soundproofed room and the necessary equipment, including a CD player and a two-channel audiometer.
- Training: Familiarize yourself with the test protocol and practice administering it to ensure consistency and accuracy.
- Assessment: Administer the SAAAT to children in the specified age range and record their responses accurately.
- Analysis: Analyze the results to identify any patterns or areas of concern in the child's sustained auditory attention.
- Intervention: Use the results to inform your intervention strategies, tailoring them to address specific attention deficits identified during the assessment.
Encouraging further research in this area is also crucial. While the SAAAT has shown promising results, additional studies are needed to validate its effectiveness across different populations and settings. Practitioners are encouraged to collaborate with researchers to contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustained auditory attention in children.
In conclusion, the SAAAT offers a practical and effective way to assess sustained auditory attention in children. By implementing this tool in your practice, you can make data-driven decisions that enhance your intervention strategies and ultimately improve outcomes for the children you serve.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A proposed behavioral tool to assess sustained auditory attention.
