Auditory Processing Disorder

APD

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Making sense of sounds

understanding apd

Auditory processing disorder, also known as central auditory processing disorder, is where the brain has difficulty understanding speech and accurately interpreting and processing the auditory information in the presence of other sounds in the environment

Children with Auditory Processing (AP) difficulties most commonly report difficulty listening in noisy environments, however, it is more often learning delays or difficulties in the classroom that can trigger a referral for an AP assessment. Some other areas of difficulties may include:

  • Delayed language development
  • Easily distracted by background noise
  • Following verbal instructions
  • Interpreting the tone and pitch of speech
  • Reading and spelling difficulties
  • Participating in conversations with peers
  • More fatigued than usual after school

HOW IS APD ASSESSED?

Routine audiological tests do not diagnose APD and pure tone audiometry results in this population are typically normal. If a APD is suspected, assessment involves a variety of specialised audiological tests.
Our clinics offer a comprehensive APD assessment tailored to the specific needs of your child. Our process includes a hearing assessment to ensure normal hearing and healthy middle ears. The APD assessment battery then involves various tests to check your child’s ability to listen to information presented simultaneously to both ears, their ability to hear in background noise and their ability to detect subtle differences in sound.

The assessment takes place across 2 sessions, with each session being approximately 1-1 1/2 hours in duration.

We assess children 7 years and above.

Prior to the Appointment
There are some questionnaires we will email home and ask that they are completed prior to the first session. The information from these questionnaires can assist with identifying the main concerns regarding your child’s learning environment.

Please bring along any relevant reports from any previous assessments including psychologists, speech pathologists and/or paediatricians. The reports can help us to interpret the results and work together with these specialists to develop the best management plan for your child more accurately.
Please ensure your child is healthy and has an early night prior to the assessment.

We accept all specialist referrals for an AP assessment; however, a medical referral will allow access to a Medicare rebate for the hearing assessment.

Management and Support
Using the information from the AP assessment and feedback from the child’s teachers, parent/guardians and other specialists, a written report will be supplied with recommendations for management and/or intervention as appropriate.

The management plan could involve classroom listening strategies, specific auditory training, and/or assistive listening devices. There may also be referral recommendations to various other specialists.

Why Us?

Child-Centered Approach: We understand the unique needs of children and create a comfortable and supportive environment for their assessment and treatment.

Collaborative Care: We value open communication and collaboration with parents, educators, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to your child’s care.

Compassion: We are committed to providing compassionate care and guidance to both you and your child throughout the journey.

If you have any queries or would like further information, please feel free to contact us.

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Trusted, university qualified, friendly Audiologists are only a phone call away 03 9558 8842
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