An Online Survey of Audiologists' Awareness and Practice of Auditory Processing in the Ministry of Health Malaysia

Abstract The study aimed to evaluate the level of awareness, knowledge, and current clinical practices related to auditory processing disorder (APD) among audiologists within Malaysia's Ministry of Health (MOH), and to identify barriers to effective diagnosis and management. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among MOH audiologists using a questionnaire adapted from validated APD surveys. The survey assessed professional demographics, self-rated APD knowledge, training exposure, and clinical practices related to APD screening, diagnosis, and management. A total of 117 audiologists completed the survey, yielding a response rate of 57%. Most respondents rated their knowledge and skills in APD diagnosis and management as poor. Only 15% conducted APD screening, and fewer than 5% offered diagnostic services. Key barriers included a lack of formal training, insufficient assessment tools, the absence of clinical guidelines, and limited inter-professional collaboration. While audiologists acknowledged the importance of diagnosing APD, the findings suggest limited confidence and capacity in handling APD cases in clinical practice. These findings highlight significant gaps in APD-related competency among Malaysian audiologists, underscoring the need for structured training, standardized diagnostic protocols, and interdisciplinary engagement to enhance APD service provision across the public healthcare system.