Central Auditory Processing

The term “central auditory processing” is used to describe what happens when the brain recognizes and interprets sounds that have been presented. The processing of language involves many elements, beginning at the point an individual initially hears another talking, all the way to ultimately understanding and retaining the information presented. A deficit in any of these elements can result in processing related difficulties.

What indicates that someone has a central auditory processing disorder (CAPD)? In general, if someone is experiencing difficulty understanding speech at home, school or work that are not due to hearing loss, a possible cause is a CAPD. The following are some difficulties that can occur:

• Difficulty understanding fast-rate speech (someone is speaking quickly)
• Difficulty comprehending information and/or struggling to answer questions
• Problems following sequences of directions, carrying out tasks, and/or organizing
• Forgetting what has been said
• Mixing up sounds, words, or other parts of speech
• Difficulty sustaining attention, daydreaming or distractibility
• Difficulty with reading comprehension
• Difficulty with spelling and phonics

At the Gallaudet University Hearing & Speech Center, individuals who suspect they or their child may have a CAPD are evaluated using one of two methods. They are the Traditional Auditory Processing Testing and Spoken-Language Processing (S-LP) Assessment.

Traditional Auditory Processing Testing

The traditional approach is a battery of auditory processing tests, which seeks to determine if a central auditory processing disorder is present and identify difficulties with specific aspects of auditory processing. This traditional approach is covered by many health insurance providers.

Prior to beginning the traditional central auditory processing evaluation, an intake process is completed. During this process we may collect relevant information in the following ways:

• Direct patient or guardian interview
• Completion of case history forms
• Completion of parent or teacher observation forms
• Standardized listening difficulty questionnaires | checklists
• Clinical files and histories review
• Academic records review, such as IEP and 504 plan documents

If not yet completed, an assessment of the peripheral hearing system and hearing sensitivity is conducted.

The central order processing evaluation takes approximately 1 1/2 to 3 hours. During this time a series of short tests are conducted to evaluate the client’s strengths and weaknesses in a number of auditory skill areas. Performance in each area tested is then ranked and evaluated as compared to the average across a population set.

The diagnosis of an auditory processing disorder is made in accordance with the diagnostic criteria established by The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association and The American Academy of Audiology.

Following diagnosis, the clinician will meet with the client and/or guardian to determine an appropriate intervention and accommodation plan, while addressing each client’s professional, academic, and personal needs.