Specific auditory training for children with dyslexia and central auditory processing disorder can improve spelling performance

Background: In this study, the question of whether auditory training for children with a reading and spelling disorder and a central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) can improve spelling performance is investigated. The training apparatus was the Audiva Company‘s DichoTrainer. Method: Dichotic discrimination, auditory/kinaesthetic perception and behavioral strengths and peculiarities as well as spelling ability and intelligence were assessed in 36 dyslexic children from years 2 to 4 of primary school with a central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Subsequently, the children were divided into an auditory training group, a group with a computer-based drill-and-practice spelling PC program (LernReha) and a control group. After a 12-week training period (20 minutes per day), statistically significant improvements in performance were noted. Results: It was shown that improvements in spelling could be documented within the Dicho-Trainer group. A tendency in favor of the auditory training group could be detected in comparison to the spelling training group. As the implementation of the control group was not felicitous, no final conclusion regarding different spelling abilities after training period between Dicho-Trainer group and control-group can be drawn. Conclusions: The results support the assumption that auditory perception ability has an effect on written language. In the group of children experiencing difficulties with auditory perception, not alone can auditory training improve perception, but as a consequence, it can also improve spelling ability.