Reading Ability Reflects Individual Differences In Auditory Brainstem Function, Even Into Adulthood (review of article)

Reading Ability Reflects Individual Differences In Auditory Brainstem Function, Even Into Adulthood

Research with population growth shows that the maturation state of auditory brain stem encoding is related to reading ability. In particular, children with poor reading ability resemble children who are biologically younger in relation to their auditory brainstem response (ABR) to speech stimulation. Because the development of ABR continues into adolescence, it is possible that the relationship between ABR and reading ability changes or is lost when the brain stem matures. To examine this possibility, ABR was noted at varying presentation levels in adults with varying levels of reading, but not interrupted. We found that the ability to read in adulthood is related to the latency of ABR Wave V, with the morphology of adolescent response more related to less advanced reading skills, as has been observed in children. These data add to evidence suggesting that the auditory brainstem response serves as a sound-based skill index that underlies the readings, even into adulthood.

Annisa Masnasuri Kesai

16611069

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