Defining Auditory Processing Disorder
Sometimes referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), APD is related to how the brain processes speech. In essence, the ears and the auditory system function properly but they and the brain do not fully coordinate in order to derive meaning from speech.
APD typically becomes an issue when there is a lot of background noise, multiple conversations at the same time, or the individual is not facing the speaker.Those experiencing APD struggle to pick up on the subtle differences between words like cat, bat and that, or seventy and seventeen. Additionally, words in a sentence can become scrambled so that “How are the chair and couch alike?” could be interpreted as “How the cow and hair are like?”
Four categories of processing skills that are limited or lacking in those struggling with auditory processing disorder, include:
Auditory discrimination: noticing, comparing, and distinguishing between separate sounds
Auditory figure-ground discrimination: focusing on the important sounds in a noisy setting
Auditory memory: recalling what they heard (short or long term)
Auditory sequencing: understanding and recalling the order of sounds and words
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Who is affected by APD?
Auditory processing disorder is typically associated with development issues, so it is most prominent in school-aged children. Auditory processing disorder can be misdiagnosed as ADHD or vice versa, often occurs along with dyslexia, and is a common secondary diagnosis in individuals with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) or autism. APD can be experienced by those with hearing loss and those experiencing cognitive decline and is estimated to affect about 15% of military veterans due to blast exposure and neurological disorders from brain injuries (i.e., stroke, traumatic brain injury, tumors, epilepsy).
What are the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder?
How is Auditory Processing Disorder diagnosed?
What to Expect During Auditory Processing Tests
Understanding Your Case History
Comprehensive Hearing Assessment
An Evaluation of the Central Auditory System
