Auditory Processing Disorders
Some hearing problems require special evaluation. Our audiologist has training and expertise in auditory processing (APD) evaluation, allowing her to help patients—including children—who may have those symptoms.
How it Works
Assessment of Your Auditory System
We begin with a thorough hearing evaluation to establish baseline hearing abilities and rule out hearing loss. Our audiologists examine how your brain processes different sounds and speech patterns.
Multi-Faceted Testing Approach
Through specialized tests, we evaluate binaural integration, temporal patterning, auditory closure, and figure-ground discrimination to identify specific processing challenges and their impact on daily life.
Custom Treatment Planning
Based on your assessment results, we develop personalized recommendations that may include therapy approaches, assistive technologies, and communication strategies tailored to your needs.
APD Evaluations and Treatment
When a child or adult has difficulty understanding speech despite normal hearing test results, auditory processing disorder (APD) may be the underlying cause. Our comprehensive APD assessments identify specific processing challenges and guide targeted treatment plans.
Early diagnosis prevents academic and social difficulties
Professional testing distinguishes APD from other conditions
Personalized treatment plans target specific processing challenges
Ongoing support improves outcomes at school, work, and home
Benefits of Professional APD Care
APD evaluation and treatment by qualified audiologists can make a significant difference in academic, social, and professional success. Our comprehensive approach helps identify and address processing challenges early.
Auditory Processing Disorder Evaluation
Auditory processing is not how well a person hears, but instead what the brain does with what a person hears. An individual can get a perfect score on a hearing screening yet still have extreme difficulty with an auditory processing test. Many term this a listening disorder, joking “He hears what he wants to hear.” But in reality, auditory processing disorders can cause reading and spelling problems, in addition to difficulty following multi-step directions and remembering details from a story.
Individuals with auditory processing difficulties will present with specific symptoms. Often they will act as if they have a hearing issue even when they pass every hearing screening that is given. There are specific indicators that help you determine if auditory processing issues are present.
Of all the processing disorders, this one is most often missed or misdiagnosed. Many times children are misdiagnosed with ADD or ADHD when they actually suffer from an auditory processing disorder. That’s why patience and experience matter when evaluating auditory issues.
While children can be identified and treated early for auditory problems, a full auditory processing test rarely occurs before age seven. This involves an audiologist to diagnose the disorder and a speech-language pathologist to provide treatment. By knowing the type of auditory processing disorder faced, we can identify the right therapy for you.
Diagnosing APD
A series of auditory processing tests are performed to diagnose APD. Assessments evaluate:
- Peripheral auditory system
- Binaural integration and separation
- Temporal patterning
- Auditory closure
- Auditory figure-ground discrimination
- Binaural interaction
- Language processing assessment
Multi-Disciplinary Approach
It is common for a child with APD to have other difficulties that are beyond the scope of an audiology assessment. In those cases we will work with other professionals to obtain additional evaluations. This may include:
- Speech language pathologies for speech and language assessment
- Educational psychologist for psycho-educational assessment
- Occupational therapist for proprioceptive, vestibular and sensory assessments
- Developmental optometrist for visual processing assessment
There are therapies and technologies that help APD, and in some cases improve it significantly. A proper assessment of an auditory processing test can indicate which therapies would be a good approach.
Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte, North Carolina, will help you take a proactive approach to living with auditory processing disorder. We have the training and experience to find the solutions that work for you.
While signs may appear earlier, formal APD testing typically occurs around age 5 when the auditory system is sufficiently developed for reliable testing.
A complete evaluation usually takes 2-3 hours, including various tests and detailed discussion of results.
Based on evaluation results, we provide specific recommendations for classroom modifications and learning support strategies.
Yes, adults can have APD, which may affect work performance and social interactions. We provide evaluations and management strategies for adults as well.
Coverage varies by provider. Our office staff can help verify your benefits and discuss payment options.
Common Questions About APD
Understanding APD can raise many questions for parents and adults seeking evaluation. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about APD evaluation and treatment.
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Charlotte, NC 28226