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Efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation in central auditory processing disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Eficácia da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua no transtorno do processamento auditivo central: revisão sistemática e meta-análise

Daviany Oliveira Lima; Sanmara de Andrade; Davielly Oliveira Lima; Amanda Camara Miranda; Mariana Lopes Martins; Victoria Lais Correia da Cunha; Marine Raquel Diniz da Rosa; Eliane Schochat

http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1982-0216/20262810325 Revista CEFAC, vol.28, n1, e0325, 2026
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Abstract

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on central auditory processing disorder (CAPD).

Methods: a systematic literature review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations, registered with PROSPERO under number CRD42023389318. It sought to answer the following question: "What are the effects of tDCS on individuals with CAPD, compared to individuals without CAPD, considering behavioral assessments of central auditory processing (CAP) and/or auditory evoked potentials?" This question followed the PICO format and the review included cross-sectional and observational studies and clinical trials, with no restrictions on year of publication or language. The databases used were PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane, SciELO, and Google Scholar, with an additional search in the grey literature (Google Scholar, OpenGrey) and manual search of references. The descriptors used were Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation AND Auditory Perception OR Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation AND Auditory Perceptual Disorders OR Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation AND Correction of Hearing Impairment OR Neuromodulation AND Auditory Perception OR Neuromodulation AND Correction of Hearing Impairment. Data analysis: Initially, the titles and abstracts of all retrieved studies were analyzed, followed by a full reading of eligible studies and bias analysis.

Literature Review: nine studies were included. The most frequently used configuration was anodal tDCS applied to the left temporal cortex. Most studies that applied this stimulation configuration significantly improved temporal processing and auditory attention, suggesting that tDCS may be effective in improving specific aspects of CAP. The quality of the evidence was considered low.

Conclusion: anodal tDCS applied to the left temporal cortex is a promising intervention in the treatment of CAPD, with positive effects on temporal processing and auditory attention.

Keywords

Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation; Auditory Perception; Auditory Perceptual Disorders; Correction of Hearing Impairment; Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation

Resumo

Objetivo: avaliar o efeito da Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua (ETCC) no Transtorno do Processamento Auditivo Central (TPAC).

Métodos: revisão sistemática da literatura, conduzida de acordo com as recomendações do Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) e registrada no PRÓSPERO sob o número CRD42023389318. A revisão buscou responder à seguinte pergunta: “Quais são os efeitos da estimulação transcraniana por corrente contínua (ETCC) em indivíduos com Transtorno do Processamento Auditivo Central (TPAC), em comparação com indivíduos sem TPAC, considerando avaliações comportamentais do Processamento Auditivo Central (PAC) e/ou potenciais evocados auditivos?” Essa pergunta seguiu o formato PICO. Foram incluídos estudos com delineamento transversal, observacionais e ensaios clínicos, sem restrição quanto ao ano de publicação e idioma. As bases de dados utilizadas foram: PubMed, LILACS, Scopus, Cochrane, SciELO e Google Scholar, com busca adicional na literatura cinzenta (Google Scholar, OpenGrey) e busca manual das referências. Os descritores utilizados foram: Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation AND Auditory Perception OR Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation AND Auditory Perceptual Disorders OR Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation AND Correction of Hearing Impairment OR Neuromodulation AND Auditory Perception OR Neuromodulation AND Correction of Hearing Impairment. Análise dos dados: Inicialmente, foram analisados os títulos e resumos de todos os estudos encontrados, seguidos da leitura integral dos estudos elegíveis, bem como análise de viés.

Revisão da Literatura: nove estudos foram incluídos. A montagem mais frequentemente utilizada foi a ETCC anódica aplicada sobre o córtex temporal esquerdo. A maioria dos estudos que aplicaram essa configuração de estimulação demonstrou melhora significativa no processamento temporal e na atenção auditiva, sugerindo que a ETCC pode ser eficaz para aprimorar aspectos específicos do PAC. A qualidade da evidência foi considerada baixa.

Conclusão: a ETCC anódica aplicada ao córtex temporal esquerdo mostrou-se promissora como intervenção no tratamento do TPAC, com efeitos positivos no processamento temporal e na atenção auditiva.

Palavras-chave

Estimulação Transcraniana por Corrente Contínua; Percepção Auditiva; Transtornos da Perceção Auditiva; Correção de Deficiência Auditiva; Estimulação Elétrica Nervosa Transcutânea

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Submitted date:
10/02/2025

Accepted date:
21/08/2025

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