Auditory Processing Evaluation
Auditory Processing Disorder Overview
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is a neurological condition that affects how the brain processes auditory information. While individuals with normal hearing may perceive sounds accurately, those with APD have difficulty recognizing and interpreting sounds, especially in complex or noisy environments.
How is APD assessed?
The disorder is not related to a hearing impairment or intellectual disability. Instead, it stems from a deficit in the way the central nervous system processes auditory information. Individuals with APD may struggle with various auditory tasks, such as:
- Auditory discrimination: Difficulty distinguishing between similar sounds or recognizing subtle differences in sounds.
- Auditory figure-ground discrimination: Challenges filtering out background noise to focus on and understand a specific sound.
- Auditory sequencing: Problems understanding the order of sounds or information presented verbally.
- Auditory memory: Difficulty remembering and recalling auditory information, such as instructions or spoken details.
APD can affect people of all ages, and its symptoms may vary. Common signs include difficulty following verbal instructions, problems with reading, spelling, and language comprehension, as well as struggles in noisy environments.
Diagnosing APD typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist or other qualified professionals. Treatment approaches may include auditory training, environmental modifications, and strategies to improve communication skills. It’s essential to seek professional help if there are concerns about auditory processing abilities, especially in academic or social settings.
How is it tested?
We use the Buffalo Model which includes the following tests:
- Comprehensive audiometric evaluation
- Immittance measures (Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflexes)
- Otoacoustic Emissions
Speech in Noise: Speech in noise testing, also known as speech-in-noise (SIN) testing, is a diagnostic assessment used in audiology to evaluate an individual’s ability to understand speech in the presence of background noise. This type of testing provides valuable information about how well a person can comprehend spoken language in challenging listening environments, such as crowded restaurants, busy streets, or social gatherings.
Staggered Spondaic Words: During the test, the individual is asked to repeat the words they hear, even though they are presented with a staggered timing. The audiologist then assesses the accuracy of the individual’s responses. The results of the Staggered Spondaic Words test help audiologists evaluate how well an individual processes auditory information, particularly in conditions that involve temporal processing challenges.
Phonemic Synthesis: Phonemic synthesis refers to the ability to blend individual phonemes (the smallest units of sound in language) together to form a complete word. This skill is essential for accurate and efficient language processing. The accuracy with which the individual synthesizes the phonemes to form words is assessed and scored. Errors or difficulties in this task could indicate challenges in phonemic synthesis skills.
How is it treated?
The management of APD often involves a multidisciplinary approach, and interventions may include:
- Auditory Training: Exercises designed to improve auditory processing skills, such as discriminating between different sounds, recognizing patterns in sounds, and enhancing memory for auditory information.
- Environmental Modifications: Creating an environment that minimizes auditory distractions and supports optimal listening conditions. This may include the use of assistive listening devices or classroom accommodations.
- Counseling and Education: Providing individuals and their families with information about APD and teaching strategies to cope with challenges associated with the disorder.
- Language and Communication Therapy: Addressing any language or communication difficulties that may be associated with APD.
- Collaboration with Other Professionals: Working with educators, speech-language pathologists, and other professionals to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing APD, especially in educational settings.