Correlation of language and central auditory processing abilities: implications of underlying cognitive processes

Current assessment and treatment procedures in speech-language pathology and audiology have assumed a causal relationship between language and central auditory processing abilities; however, previous research studies are contradictory in their findings. In addition, no studies have investigated possible underlying mechanisms responsible for any existing relationships. This study examined 20 children between the ages of 5.0 and 7.11 with a previous diagnosis of a language disorder, and through administration of two standardized test batteries, quantified their language and central auditory processing abilities. Pearson-product moment correlation coefficients revealed a strong relationship between overall language and central auditory processing scores (r = .81, p < .001). In addition, strong relationships existed between two of the CAP tests (SSW and SCAN) and 4 out of the 6 language subtests (p < .05), indicating possible similarities in underlying cognitive processes important for each task. A multiple regression analysis revealed high predictive ability of the SSW central auditory task for the same four language subtests (p < .05). Results provide strong implications for current assessment and treatment protocols.