Effectiveness of the Self-Perception Questionnaire of Auditory Abilities (QAPAC) as a screening instrument for auditory abilities in schoolchildren

• Grant number: 25/13834-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Maria Isabel Ramos Do Amaral
• Grantee: Isabela Bonavoglia de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) can impact the development of language,reading and writing skills in schoolchildren. The use of questionnaires has been recommended in auditoryprocessing screening protocols, as they are low-cost and easy-to-administer tools capable of qualitativelyassessing auditory behavior and can support the need for referral to diagnostic evaluations. Purpose: Analyzethe performance of children with and without school difficulties in the Questionnaire for Self-Perception ofCentral Auditory Processing (QAPAC), as well as to correlate it with the results of the behavioral assessmentof Central Auditory Processing (CAP). Methods: This is a descriptive, analytical, prospective and transversalstudy approved by Ethics Committee (CAAE 67851723.5.0000.5404), conducted at a State Public School andthe Audiology Laboratory of the institution. Children aged 6 to 8 years, native speakers of BrazilianPortuguese, of both sexes, without peripheral hearing impairments and who perform adequately in a cognitivescreening will be included. Children diagnosed with syndromes or other conditions that affectneuropsychomotor and/or language development will be excluded. The first stage will take place at the schooland will consist of c Raven's Test, School Performance Test II (TDE-II), Basic Audiological Evaluation andthe auditory abilities screening program AudBility, including the QAPAC, which is the focus of this study.Afterwards, children will be referred to a Behavioral Central Auditory Processing Assessment. Results will bestatistically analyzed. Results: It is expected that lower QAPAC scores will correlate with poorer performancein the CAP diagnostic evaluation, which may contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of thepotential use of the QAPAC as a school screening tool. (AU)