About 30 percent of learning-disabled children have sound encoding problems. Their brains show a dysfunction that leaves these children unable to interpret speech sounds accurately and causes them difficulty in reading, listening, and learning. Now, thanks to a neurophysiological test that has recently come on the market, children with these difficulties can be quickly and accurately identified and treated.

The test, called BioMap, was developed by researchers at Northwestern University’s Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory. It is a noninvasive test currently available for children between the ages of 8 and 12. The only requirements for testing are that the child have normal hearing and be able to sit relatively still for half an hour.

During the test the child hears sounds through an earpiece but does not need to respond. Three electrodes placed on the head record response information. As the test takes place, the child can relax and even watch a video.

If test results indicate sound encoding problems, help is available. Research has shown that the brain can learn to process sounds more accurately with the aid of auditory training programs. (Examples of such programs are Fast ForWard, Earobics, and Phonomena.)

Currently, BioMap testing is done only at Northwestern University’s Audiology Clinic in Evanston, IL, and at locations in Minnesota and Ohio. Before long, however, the test should be much more widely available. For more information on the BioMap test, check these websites:

• www.communication.northwestern.edu/brainvolts/clinicaltechnologies/faq/

• www.communication.northwestern.edu/brainvolts/clinicaltechnologies/media/

• www.natus.com/products/hearing_diagnostics/navigator_biomap.html#

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