Auditory Processing Disorder
What is Auditory Processing Disorder
To understand speech, we hear with our ears and understand with our brain; our ears detect sound while our brain gives it meaning. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) is a condition in which the brain has difficulty interpreting, organizing and recognizing sounds despite the presence of normal peripheral hearing sensitivity. As a result, a person will have trouble understanding speech due to difficulty in the brain’s ability to process the sound that is detected by the ears. Auditory Processing Disorder can occur in both children and adults. It can only be tested for and identified by an Audiologist.
Common signs of APD include:
- difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments
- difficulty maintaining attention
- problems locating the source of a sound
- difficulty following directions
- commonly asking for information to be repeated
- inability to detect subtle changes in tone
- distracted and inattentive behavior
- difficulty learning to read
- academic difficulties, including poor reading and spelling
APD is characterized by a persistent limitation in the performance of auditory activities in the presence of normal peripheral hearing sensitivity, significant consequences on participation and is not the result of higher-order, more global deficits such as autism, memory disorder, intellectual disabilities, language disorders, attention deficits, or similar impairments. Due to the similarity of APD symptoms with other disorders, a multidisciplinary approach is necessary to identify and treat APD.
APD Evaluation
Almost any child aged 7 or older can be tested for APD. The Canadian Guidelines On Auditory Processing Disorder In Children And Adults indicates that behavioural tests of auditory processing abilities demonstrate reduced reliability and validity for children under the developmental age of 7 years. Due to research on neurological maturation of auditory processing capacities in children, persistent abnormal results suggest the presence of APD, rather than a maturational delay. Although an Audiologist may not have enough information to differentiate between a maturational delay and a more permanent disorder, intervention is still required. During the evaluation, a battery of tests used to assess auditory processing abilities are administered to evaluate, identify and formulate intervention strategies for persons suspected of having APD. The assessment can take approximately 2.5-3 hours, depending on the patient's age and needs. A subsequent appointment is required to review the results and recommendations.
Intervention
Intervention for APD is highly individualized, tailored to each person's specific needs. Strategies may include compensatory techniques, direct therapy (remediation) and environmental modifications.
- Compensatory strategies help individuals work around processing challenges using alternative approaches.
- Remediation techniques involve direct therapy designed to strengthen auditory processing skills.
- Environmental modifications focus on improving access to auditory information. This can include enhancing the clarity of speech, reducing background noise, and creating supportive listening environments at home, work, or in social settings to make learning and communication more effective.
