Auditory Processing

 

What is Central Auditory Processing?

 

An auditory processing disorder reflects difficulty processing information at the brainstem and cotical levels.  It is the inability or impaired ability to attend to, discriminate, recognize, remember or comprehendinformation preented auditorily.  This is not a disorder affecting the ear canals, middle ear, cochlea or auditory nerve.  Auditory processing disorders may result in learning aproblems because of difficulty listening annd understanding what is heard.

 

What are behaviors/symtoms of a Central Auditory Processing Disorder?

 

• Says "huh" or "what" frequently.

• Gives inconsistent responses to auditory stimuli.

• Often misunderstands what is said.

• Constantly requests that information be repeated.

• Has poor auditory attention.

• Is easily distracted.

• Has difficulty following directions.

• Has difficulty listening in the presence of background noise.

• Has difficulty with phonics and spech sound discrimination.

• Has poor auditory memory.

• Gives slow or delayed response to verbal stimuli.

• Has reading, spelling, and other academic problems.

• Learns poorly through auditory channels.

• Exhibits behavior problems.

 

How can I find out if my child has auditory processing deficits?

 

Audiologists and speech pathologists can help you determine if your child has auditory processing problems.  Audiologists perform a test battery to uncover central processing function abilities while speech pathologists assess the fuctional communication areas affected by the disorder and develop and implement treatment plans.

 

My child has trouble following directions.  Is it because he/she is "lazy", or is there something else involved?

 

Children generally have a desire to please their parents and teachers.  Children will tend to "shut down", however, if tasks are frequently too difficult, too boring, or if they have repeated difficulty understanding what is said.  Ask your child's teachers if the problem interferes with successful classroom experiences.  Your child should be evaluated by a qualified speech pathologist if you suspect auditory processing problems and undergo educational assessments if there are academic concerns.