Auditory Processing Disorder

DEFINITION

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a condition where your brain can’t understand and interpret auditory signals the way it should. People with APD can hear, but they may have trouble understanding certain sounds.

ASHA (2005) uses the term central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) to refer to deficits in the neural processing of auditory information in the central auditory nervous system (not due to higher order language or cognitive factors) demonstrated by poor performance in auditory skills.

CAUSES

The etiology of central auditory processing disorder may be linked to a specific lesion or disorder or may be unknown.

Causes and risk factors for central auditory processing disorder may include the following (Bamiou et al., 2001; Baran & Musiek, 1999; Chermak & Musiek, 2011):

genetic determinants
neurological disorder, disease, or damage
otologic disorder, disease, or injury (e.g., auditory deprivation secondary to recurrent otitis media)
prenatal/neonatal factors, such as

anoxia/hypoxia
cytomegalovirus
hyperbilirubinemia (i.e., buildup of bilirubin in the blood)
low birth weight
prematurity; and
prenatal drug exposure

Key Signs and Symptoms

Telling where sound is coming from.
Understanding words that are spoken quickly or in a noisy room.
Paying attention
Following directions unless they are short and simple.
Learning a new language.
learning songs or nursery rhymes
reading, spelling, and/or learning problems
Understanding and remembering spoken information.
Take longer to reply to someone who is talking to you.
Often need others to repeat themselves.
Not understanding jokes.

APD may have different areas of weakness. These four areas are:

Auditory discrimination: Noticing small differences between words. For example, if you said, “There are (40) cats here,” someone with APD may hear “There are (four words) cats here.”
Auditory figure-ground discrimination: Being able to pick out specific words in a loud or noisy background.
Auditory memory: Being able to recall what was said, like remembering phone numbers or song lyrics.
Auditory sequencing: Understanding and recalling the order of words.

Assessment:

Speech-sy ‘s evaluates for APD by assessing auditory processing skills, language abilities, and speech production, often in collaboration with an audiologist for a comprehensive diagnosis.

Assessment of Speech and Language Skills:The SLP will assess receptive Language, expressive Language,Speech ProductionThe SLP will conduct tests to assess auditory processing skills, such as:

Auditory discrimination: The ability to distinguish between different sounds.
Auditory memory: The ability to remember what was heard.
Auditory sequencing: The ability to recall sounds in a specific order.
Auditory integration: The ability to combine auditory information with other sensory information.

The SLP will often collaborate with an audiologist to assess hearing and rule out any hearing loss that may be contributing to communication difficulties.

MANAGEMENT

Speech-sy’s therapy approach includes:-

* Improve sound localization and identification.

* Enhance auditory memory and sequencing skills.

* Increase listening comprehension and attention.

* Develop strategies for managing listening challenges.

* Improve communication skills in various settings.

* Reduce frustration and anxiety related to auditory processing difficulties.

Speech therapists use a variety of techniques to achieve these goals, including auditory training, visual aids, and environmental modifications.

OUTCOMES

Speech-sy’s therapy can leads to

* Improved listening skills: Individuals with APD often have difficulty filtering out background noise and focusing on specific sounds. Speech therapy helps them develop strategies to better attend to auditory information.

* Enhanced communication abilities: Better listening skills lead to improved comprehension and the ability to participate more effectively in conversations.

* Increased academic performance: Speech therapy can help students with APD succeed in school by improving their listening comprehension, note-taking, and following instructions.

* Reduced frustration and anxiety: By improving their communication skills, individuals with APD often experience less frustration and anxiety in social situations.