Protocol Number: 00-DC-0073

Title:

Identification of Hereditary Auditory Processing Deficits

Number:

00-DC-0073

Summary:

Some children with certain language disorders may not properly process the sounds they hear, resulting in language impairments. The purpose of this study is to determine if deficits in auditory temporal processing-the way the brain analyzes the timing and patterns of sounds-are an inherited trait.

Families with auditory temporal processing deficits are sought in order to identify the genes responsible for auditory temporal processing deficits. Children and adults with a diagnosis or history of language impairment in the family and their family members-both affected and non-affected-are eligible for this two-part study. In Part 1, participants undergo a series of language tests and listening tests to measure various characteristics of how they perceive sound. In Part 2, they are interviewed about language disorders, learning disabilities, and other medical problems of family members. This information is used to construct a pedigree (family tree diagram) showing the pattern of inheritance of family traits. Study subjects whose pedigree indicates that language disorders may be hereditary in their family will provide either a small blood sample (1 to 2 tablespoons) or a tissue specimen obtained from a cheek swab (rubbing the inside of the cheek with a small brush or cotton swabs). The sample will be used to isolate DNA for genetic analysis.

Sponsoring Institute:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Recruitment Detail

Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled

Gender: Male & Female

Referral Letter Required: No

Population Exclusion(s): None

Eligibility Criteria:

INCLUSION CRITERIA:

Diagnosis of auditory processing disorder (APD/CAPD) based on two or more standardized tests of auditory processing.

Age 12 to 85.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA:

Hearing loss with onset prior to age 20 years, defined as:

- Air conduction pure tone thresholds (250-8000 Hz) exceeding 20 dBHL

- Air-bone gaps, even in the presence of normal sensitivity, exceeding 10 dBHL

- Abnormal tympanogram

History of chronic/recurrent otitis media

History of ear surgery

History or diagnosis of central nervous system lesions/pathology, including:

- Intracranial tumors

- Cerebrovascular disease

- Degenerative CNS disorders

- CNS trauma

- Encephalitis

- Meningitis

Currently on medications capable of altering CNS function

History of treatment with ototoxic medication

History or diagnosis of:

- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

- Attention deficit disorder (ADD)

Non-English Speaking

English as a second language

Diagnosis of auditory neuropathy

Special Instructions:

Protocol is now recruiting new patients.

Keywords:

Temporal Processing

Language Impairment

Linkage Analysis

Inheritance

Language Delay

Healthy

Recruitment Keyword(s):

Auditory Temporal Processing Disorder

Language Impairment

Speech Impediment

Condition(s):

Auditory Perceptual Disorder

Language Delay

Language Disorder

Investigational Drug(s):

None

Investigational Device(s):

None

Intervention(s):

None

Supporting Site:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders

Contact(s):

Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office
Building 61
10 Cloister Court
Bethesda, Maryland 20892-4754
Toll Free: 1-800-411-1222
TTY: 301-594-9774 (local),1-866-411-1010 (toll free)
Fax: 301-480-9793

Electronic Mail:prpl@mail.cc.nih.gov

Citation(s):

Asperger's syndrome and semantic-pragmatic disorder: where are the boundaries?

Is specific language impairment a valid diagnostic category?

Prevalence of special language impairment in kindergarden children

• Questions about participating in a study, please contact the Patient Recruitment and Public Liaison Office, CC.
• Technical questions regarding the Clinical Center web site, please contact the Department of Networks and Applications, CC.

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