Association Between the Alteration of Acoustic Reflex and Central Auditory Processing Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Elora Bion Pereira, Georgea Espindola Ribeiro, Daniela Polo Camargo da SilvaAbstract
Studies have investigated the relationship between acoustic reflex (AR) abnormalities and central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Evidence suggests that the absence or alteration of AR may be associated with CAPD, indicating possible involvement of central auditory pathways.
To systematically review the literature on the association between AR abnormalities and CAPD in children and adolescents.
This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023440214) and conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, LILACS, LIVIVO, ProQuest and Google Scholar, without language or date restrictions. Observational studies addressing AR and CAPD in children and adolescents were included. Exclusion criteria comprised other study designs, non-traditional AR measurements, inclusion of adults or elderly participants, CAPD associated with other conditions, analysis limited to AR presence, lack of AR–CAPD comparison, absence of age reporting, or inaccessibility of the full text. Data regarding study characteristics, participants, exposure, and outcomes were extracted. Three reviewers independently screened studies, while two performed data extraction and quality assessment. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. From 2,333 identified records, six studies met the inclusion criteria. Four reported a higher prevalence of AR abnormalities in children with CAPD. Most studies presented moderate methodological quality.
Altered ARs are more frequently observed in children with CAPD; however, the available evidence is limited and heterogeneous. Current findings do not support AR as a definitive diagnostic marker for CAPD. Further research integrating behavioral and electrophysiological measures is necessary to clarify its clinical utility.