AUDIOLOGY/ HEARING

Auditory Processing Tests

Auditory processing refers to how the brain makes use of the sound information it receives from the ear. This is different from hearing sensitivity, which describes how softly we hear. Having an auditory processing disorder (APD) means that it is difficult to always make out what is heard, even though the person has normal intelligence and hearing sensitivity. For example, a child might hear the teacher talking but be unable to grasp the message due to classroom distractions.

Our APD tests challenge the listening system by presenting complex or degraded sounds. The normal individual is able to cope quite easily for the poor quality of the message, whereas the individual with an APD experiences significant difficulty with these tasks.

Once an APD is diagnosed, the audiologist will make appropriate recommendations for treatment.

You will find below a list of common behaviors of children with APD. If many of these traits apply to your child, please consult a speech language pathologist to determine if your child requires a referral to our department.

• history of chronic ear infections
• poor listener and short attention span
• easily distracted
• misunderstands and has trouble following verbal instructions
• frustrated
• difficulty distinguishing speech sounds, especially in a noisy environment
• memory problems
• difficulty remembering and relating what has been said in the proper sequence
  (e.g. relating a story, naming the days of the week in order)
• hyperactive or hypoactive
• withdrawal from group activities
  www.kidshealth.org