Auditory Processing Disorder

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Auditory Processing Disorder

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (C)APD is a condition where an individual has difficulty making sense of sounds they hear, even if they have normal hearing. Auditory processing can be considered what the brain does with the sounds the ears hear. According to the American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), central auditory processing disorder refers to deficits in the neural processing of auditory information in the central auditory nervous system (not due to higher order language or cognitive factors) demonstrated by poor performance in one or more of the following skills:

Sound Localization and Lateralization

Auditory Discrimination

Auditory Pattern Recognition

Temporal Aspects of Audition

Auditory Performance in Competing Acoustic Signals
Auditory Performance with Degraded Acoustic Signals

Warning Signs for APD

Individuals with (C)APD often demonstrate difficulties in the following areas:

Understanding Speech in Noise

Following Directions

Distinguishing Between Similar Sounds

Deficits in Spelling, Reading, and Writing

Frustration and Anxiety

Academic Difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes (C)APD?

There is not a clear cause for auditory processing disorder. Common etiologies may include: genetics, developmental delays, brain injuries, or other neurodevelopmental processes.

Am I a candidate for an auditory processing disorder evaluation?

C)APD testing can be performed up to the age of 65.
You must have normal hearing sensitivity in both ears or no more than a mild high frequency hearing loss to be evaluated for APD. Hearing loss can have a negative impact on auditory processing disorder testing. Therefore, a true diagnosis of APD cannot be made if a hearing loss is present. If you have any questions on whether you qualify for APD testing, please contact our clinic.
- Reference from American Academy of Audiology CAPD Guidelines (2010)- Page 12, “Peripheral Hearing Loss” CAPD-Guidelines-8-2010-1.pdf_539952af956c79.73897613-1.pdf

Who can test and diagnose an auditory processing disorder?

Testing and diagnosis of auditory processing disorder is performed by an audiologist. Other professionals, including but not limited to speech- language pathologists, educators, and psychologists, are also involved in the assessment of the patient’s functional deficits and intervention.

What can I expect in an (C)APD evaluation?

The assessment will be comprised of 2 parts: evaluating hearing sensitivity and the diagnostic evaluation of your auditory skills and abilities. The appointment will take approximately 1.5 hours total.
The first portion of the test will include objective measures of hearing where we will confirm normal hearing sensitivity. Further recommendations will be discussed based on your hearing status and if APD testing can be continued.
The second portion of the appointment will consist of you completing a diagnostic assessment of auditory skills via an app. You will wear headphones and be prompted to complete a series of tasks or “games.” This portion should take about 30-45 minutes.
A report of the evaluation results, recommendations, and intervention options will be discussed. If it is determined you would benefit from therapy or a trial with low gain hearing aids, the audiologist will discuss these recommendations with you.

Interventions for individuals with (C)APD:

At Hearts for Hearing, we offer multiple possible intervention solutions for individuals with (C)APD. These include:

APD therapy with a Speech Language Pathologist

At Home Auditory Training Games and Apps

Low Gain Hearing Aids