Early identification and management of (central) auditory processing disorder [(C)APD] necessitate a multidisciplinary approach due to its potential effects on listening, communication, and academic performance. It is crucial to assess the awareness and knowledge of the team members involved in the management of (C)APD to bridge the gap between early identification and intervention. The aim of this study was to assess the awareness and knowledge of (C)APD among pediatricians in India. Subjects and Methods: This study used a questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey. Phase I involved the development and content validation of the questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 14 closed-ended questions to assess the awareness and knowledge of the causes, symptoms, assessment, treatment, and management of (C)APD. Phase II involved the administration of the developed questionnaire to 118 pediatricians practicing in India with at least one year of experience. Results: The findings of the study indicated that the majority (94.07%) of the pediatricians were aware of (C)APD, but only a few had diagnosed a child with (C)APD (32.2%). Most pediatricians showed varying levels of accuracy in recognizing common symptoms of (C)APD. Subgroup analyses of the symptom knowledge domain using Fisher’s exact chi-square tests revealed that pediatricians with ≥11 years of experience (p=0.043) and those with postgraduate qualifications demonstrated significantly better recognition of (C)APD symptoms (p=0.009). Participants demonstrated a good understanding of the multidisciplinary team involved in the diagnosis and management of (C)APD. Conclusions: Pediatricians in India possess a good general awareness of (C)APD but limited detailed knowledge of its symptoms and management. Clinical experience and postgraduate qualifications were associated with a greater understanding of (C)APD symptomatology. The gap between knowledge and clinical practice underscores the need for targeted training, curriculum integration, and structured referral pathways to improve early identification and intervention for (C)APD.

Background and Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread use of telepractice in hearing health care services. In this study, we investigated the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of tele-audiology among Indian audiologists. The current study is based on tele-practice guidelines recommended by the Indian Speech and Hearing Association for tele-audiology services in India. Subjects and Methods: An internet-based KAP questionnaire survey was performed among 108 audiologists. The questionnaire included 33 items categorized under the following domains: demographic information and KAP of tele-audiology. Of the 108 audiologists included in the study, 38 admitted to the practice of tele-audiology previously and during the COVID-19 pandemic (tele-practitioners), and 70 respondents had no experience of tele-audiology (non-telepractitioners). Results: Overall higher scores were observed with regard to the knowledge domain, and a mixed attitude regarding tele-practice was observed among audiologists. Most respondents acknowledged the advantages of tele-audiology in clinical practice. However, audiologists were hesitant to utilize this technology owing to the challenges associated with tele-practice. Conclusions Despite adequate awareness and a positive attitude, a gap is observed between available knowledge and its actual application/utilization in tele-audiology. Tele-audiology practice was limited to counseling, hearing impairment treatment, and troubleshooting tips for hearing aids. Evidence-based practices to perform diagnostic test battery in tele-mode, hands-on training to run diagnostic test battery/rehabilitation using a tele-mode approach, and greater understanding of the technical requirements for tele-practice may result in a positive perception and encourage tele-audiology practice among audiologists. Specialized training and regular continuing education programmes are important to promote tele-audiology services in clinical practice.