Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Definition: Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) is defined as difficulty in listening to or comprehending auditory information especially when it is presented under non-optimal acoustic conditions, even though the child has normal hearing.

Causes: CAPD in children is uaually a benign medical condition; however, infrequently it can result from a neurological problem.

Test/Evaluations: *Testing is approximately 2 hours with a break in between.*
A series of tests are available to determine specific CAPD. Words and sentences are presented under earphones in various listening situations, such as with noise in the background, with competing speech, or with distorted sound. The child is instructed to repeat certain information - instructions are provided prior to each subtest.
CAPD may affect academic and social achievement and emotional adjustment. Ify our child exhibits any of the following behaviors, you may consider testing him/her for CAPD:

• Poor listening skills
• Behavior problems
• Difficulty following instructions
• Short attention span
• Difficulty understanding in the presence of background noise
• Says "huh" or "what"
• Misunderstands what is said
• Requests that information be repeated
• Easily distracted
• Difficulty with reading, spelling and academic problems
• Poor memory span for lists or commands
• Responds slowly or delayed when asked a question
• May be sensitive to noise
• Difficulty understanding or expressing language

Recommendations are provided based on test results. These may include seating arrangements, therapies, assistive listening devices, etc.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call Sound Therapeutics at 821-7337