What is Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)?

Central Auditory Processing is a term to describe how the brain interprets sounds that we hear, for example the difference in pitch between two sounds.

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (often referred as Auditory Processing Disorder – APD) is where a person can detect sounds at normal levels but can not process the sound information accurately. When this occurs in children it can lead to learning difficulties and sometimes behavioural issues.

A parent or teacher may suspect a child with CAPD if they have:

• Difficulty following instruction
  
• Difficulty understanding speech in the presence of background
  noise
  
• Difficulty learning in background noise
  
• Become easily distracted
  
• Lower than average reading skills
  
• Poorer verbal skills
  
• Behavioural and self esteem issues

Assessing CAPD

If a child is suspected to have CAPD then he or she can be assessed over a 90 minute appointment that involves:

• Taking a case history to learn about the child’s learning and
  hearing skills
  
• Performing a hearing assessment to determine the child’s
  auditory thresholds
  
• Performing a series of Auditory Processing Tests

What age can we assess for CAPD?

CAPD tests can be performed on children from age 7+ years.

Management of CAPD

Management of CAPD involves a team approach with other professionals such a Speech Pathologists and Teachers. This typically involves three
approaches:

• Environment modifications such a seating the child away from
  distracting noises or using a FM system to reduce unwanted noises.
  
• The use of intervention programs designed to improve auditory
  processing in children.
  
• Teaching compensatory strategies so the child can cope better
  in daily listening environments.