Development and evaluation of the Persian version of the multiple auditory processing assessment

Background and Aim: Auditory processing disorders may have detrimental consequences on a child’s life, if undiagnosed and untreated. The multiple auditory processing assessment (MAPA), as a valid model, has been introduced for central auditory processing assessment and diagnosis in school children. The purpose of this study was to design and evaluate the Persian version of MAPA for auditory processing assessment in 9-12 year-old school children. Methods: The present study was conducted in two phases. First, the Persian version of the MAPA, consisting of five subtests, namely the monaural selective auditory attention, the triplet dichotic digits test, competing sentences, quadruple pitch pattern test and Tap test was developed and compiled into a CD. Second, to assess the Persian version of MAPA, a study was conducted on 300 children of both genders, aged 9-12, who were selected from seven normal primary schools. The children’s normal peripheral hearing was ensured through scree ning, and then central auditory system was assessed through the Persian version of MAPA. Result: The results showed that the mean scores obtained in each of the five subtests increased with age (p > 0.0001), and no significant differences was observed between the gender in the mean scores obtained in any of the five subtests (p > 0.05). The results confirmed high reliability of each of the tests as well as the mean score of all the five subtests (ICC=0.91). Conclusion: The Persian version of the MAPA has a high validity and test-retest reliability for the assessment of auditory processing in 9-12 year-old Persian-speaking children.