By Israa Afadar, student of the Master in Clinical Audiology and Hearing Therapy

Abstract

Introduction: The central auditory processing, a complex cognitive function, involves the interpretation and understanding of auditory information. Despite normal hearing, individuals with auditory processing disorder (APD) struggle with these tasks. The pervasive use of electronic devices, including smartphones, tablets, and personal listening devices, has fundamentally altered how humans engage with and process surrounding information. This study investigates the potential impact of electronic device usage on auditory processing in both adults and children in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, employing APD battery tests.

Methods: Arab adult (aged 18–80 years) and pediatric (aged 5–17 years) participants with diverse backgrounds and normal hearing were included in the study. Of the 160 participants, 100 were adults, and 60 were pediatric participants. The participants underwent a two-stage process involving an online form collecting personal information and appointment scheduling through Google Forms, followed by peripheral hearing evaluation and APD tests.

Results: The study revealed that adults who used electronic devices for more than five hours a day scored significantly lower on auditory processing tests such as gaps-in-noise (GIN), pitch pattern sequence (PPS), duration pattern sequence (DPS), masking level difference (MLD), and random gap detection (RGD) compared to those with less usage. This suggests impairments in auditory processing. Similarly, children with high device usage performed much worse on these tests than their peers with limited usage. The most significantly impacted results were observed in the MLD test for adults (Z = 7.973, p < 0.001) and the PPS test for children (Z = 6.550, p < 0.001). Strong correlations between right and left ear scores were detected among young and adult overexposure users, indicating consistent bilateral auditory processing deficits linked to excessive technology use. These findings underscore the potential negative impact of prolonged electronic device usage on auditory processing skills.

Conclusion: This study highlights the need for awareness and further research on the effects of electronic device use on hearing health, emphasizing the importance of balanced technology use to protect auditory processing abilities.

Keywords: Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), Hearing Loss, Neurobiological Activity, Auditory Processing Tests, Electronic Device Usage.

Download the full Research Work: Afadar, I. (2025). Impact of Prolonged Electronic Device Use on Auditory Processing Skills. SAERA