Auditory Processing is…
… is defined by how well our central nervous system utilizes and interprets auditory information, specifically for the purposes of language. Essentially, we HEAR with our ears; we LISTEN with our brain.
Central Auditory Processing Disorder
A central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a deficit in the neural processing of auditory information. This deficit can lead to difficulties with:
- Communication
- Higher order language learning (such as reading comprehension)
Common Indicators of CAPD:
- Difficulty understanding verbal information, especially in noisy situations
- Difficulty following multi-step directions, or needs external organization to assist in completing tasks
- Experiences difficulties in areas of reading, spelling, or math calculation skills
- Poor visual-spatial skills
What To Do?
If you suspect your child may have CAPD, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you feel like your child has difficulty hearing or understanding what people say?
- Do you feel your child’s hearing or listening difficulties become worse in certain situations?
- Do you feel your child has difficulty with multi-step directions?
If you answered “yes” to the above questions, your child may benefit from a CAPD evaluation. At the initial CAPD appointment, a licensed audiologist will complete a comprehensive hearing exam, as well as testing to assess central auditory processing abilities. This testing is noninvasive and painless. Patients must be at least 7 years of age for CAPD testing.
If the results are consistent with a CAPD diagnosis, the audiologist will review treatment options and a follow-up schedule with you. Treatment is conducted at home and takes approximately 8 weeks. At the conclusion of the CAPD treatment, the audiologist will retest the patient’s central auditory processing ability to assess for improvement.
CAPD testing and therapy is available out of our West Des Moines office! Please contact us to schedule an initial consultation or for more information about CAPD testing. Pricing information for CAPD testing can be found here.