Auditory Processing Disorder
Auditory processing skills refer to “what we do with what we hear.” If we think of the ear as the microphone that detects sound, the brain is the computer that processes that sound. In an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), sometimes also called Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), there is a miscommunication between what the ears hear and how the brain processes this information. Individuals with APD will often seem like they have hearing loss but often have “normal” results on a traditional hearing test (which only tests how well the “microphone,” or peripheral hearing system, detects soft sounds). Common symptoms of APD include:
- Asking for repetition or saying “huh” or “what” a lot
- Difficulty following directions
- Difficulty hearing when in background noise
- Trouble paying attention
- Difficulty with tasks such as learning to read and spell
Our audiologists assess for APD in children and adults and offer multiple types of treatment. Call our office to set up a phone consultation in order to determine whether you or someone you love may be a candidate for APD testing.
