Exploring the relationship between auditory processing characteristics and cognition in preschool children with developmental language disorder based on fNIRS

Auditory processing (AP) is a fundamental function in speech signal processing. The ability to process speech signals in noisy environments is commonly used to assess AP capabilities. Research on the AP characteristics in Chinese children remains scarce, and the relationship between AP and language/cognitive development has not been explored....

Preliminary findings only — no immediate change to audiology or SLP practice, but reinforces the importance of assessing auditory processing in preschool children diagnosed with developmental language disorder.

Understanding the neural basis of auditory processing in children with DLD could inform earlier and more targeted intervention strategies that bridge audiology and speech-language pathology.

1. 01Used fNIRS brain imaging to examine auditory processing in preschoolers with developmental language disorder (DLD).
2. 02Investigates links between how children process sounds in the brain and their broader cognitive abilities.
3. 03DLD affects language learning and is often co-assessed with auditory processing concerns in audiology.
4. 04fNIRS is a non-invasive, child-friendly neuroimaging tool suitable for young populations.
5. 05Findings are exploratory; sample size and pilot nature limit clinical translation.

PMID

42387374

DOI

10.1186/s11689-026-09718-9.

Journal

Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Publication type

research_article

Evidence level

4

Population

Preschool children diagnosed with developmental language disorder (DLD)

Intervention

fNIRS-based assessment of auditory processing characteristics