Services & Programs

Auditory Processing

Auditory Processing Disorder (sometimes known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder) is described as the inability to attend to, discriminate, recognize, and comprehend information presented through the auditory channel, despite normal hearing and intelligence. Auditory processing provides the foundation for learning language and language-based academic skills, such as reading, spelling and writing. When auditory processing abilities are not well developed, an individual is at risk for language and learning disabilities.

Audiologists can determine if your child has APD. Although other professionals can get an idea by interacting with your child, only audiologists can perform central auditory processing testing and determine if there really is a problem; however, some of the skills a child needs to be evaluated for an auditory processing disorder don't develop until 8 or 9 years of age. The auditory center of the brain isn't fully developed at age 7, 8, and 9 - the most common ages audiologists see for central auditory processing testing. The brains of younger children just haven't matured enough to accept and process a lot of information. Therefore, many children diagnosed with APD can develop better skills with time and intervention.

If APD is suspected, a comprehensive evaluation helps to get a clear picture of an individual's processing skills and should include: