Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a hearing condition that affects approximately 3%-5% of school-aged children. Children with this condition, also known as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), are unable to comprehend what they hear in the same way that other children do. This is due to the brain finding it more difficult to recognise and interpret sounds.
Those who suffer from auditory processing disorder often have normal hearing, but they struggle to hear in noisy environments, have poor listening skills, misunderstand spoken information, have trouble paying attention, and more.
Procedures
During the appointment, we cover the following topics in order to conduct a comprehensive auditory processing assessment:
1. Case Study
The audiologist will ask you specific questions about your child’s learning abilities and other hearing concerns. Please include any reports from other professionals, such as a speech pathologist, educational psychologist, or paediatrician. The input of the school teacher is also sought via a questionnaire, which we will provide to you.
2. Hearing Exam
A hearing test is required to rule out any possible hearing loss or middle ear pathology.
3. Auditory Memory Examinations
This test determines your child’s short-term auditory memory for numbers (unrelated materials) and sentences (meaningful material). The ability to retain information during instructions and explanations is influenced by one’s auditory short-term memory.
Additional Testing
If necessary, the audiologist may recommend electrophysiological testing based on the results of the auditory processing assessment. These tests assess the brain’s reaction to sounds. As needed, appropriate referrals to other professionals will be discussed.
Reports
The audiologist will provide you with a brief summary of the results following the assessment. Within one week of the appointment, a detailed report will be provided. A follow-up consultation can be scheduled to discuss and plan remediation programmes further.
Contact us today!
If you or your child is having trouble listening in noisy environments, following instructions, focusing, speech and language development, reading and writing, or has learning difficulties, please contact us to schedule an Auditory Processing Assessment. Please allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the evaluation. Contact us today.
Are you a teacher concerned about the hearing abilities of a student?
My Hearing Center can also conduct CAPD screenings in large groups for schools. For more information, please contact us.