Auditory Processing (AP) is the term given to the complex listening skills our hearing system or auditory system, uses to help us hear and understand in difficult listening situations. The most common difficult listening task is understanding speech in background noise. In this situation, the central auditory system (located in our brain) is able to separate speech from background noise by using the slight differences in sound input between the ears.

When speech we are listening to is degraded; either by the presence of background noise, a strong accent or if someone is speaking too quickly, the central auditory system helps us fill in the gaps. It also helps us to identify the non-linguistic elements of speech and communication, such as rhythm, timing and pitch that assist in interpreting humour and sarcasm, as well as intent of communication.

When one or more of these abilities are degraded, we get an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Depending on the degree of this weakness, the age of the child and the coping strategies the child has developed, an APD may have many different symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms of APD are as follows:

·      Good performance in quiet, but significantly poorer performance in noise.

·      Difficulties detecting humour and sarcasm, or subtilities in communication, often resulting in social interaction problems.

·      Problems with reading and spelling.

·      Poor verbal comprehension skills.

·      Difficulties following multiple instructions.

·      Weaknesses with co-ordination and motor/planning skills.

How do we test for APD?

The auditory pathways are a complex system involving many different skill areas. As a result accurate assessment of these skills requires a range of different tests. Initially, it is important to establish that the child being assessed has normal hearing thresholds. If there is a hearing loss present (usually due to middle ear infections) we can’t reliably differentiate between the effects of the hearing loss and the effects of a possible APD. 

After normal hearing is confirmed, we perform a number of tests which assess different skills of the central auditory system. The testng takes approximately 1 hour and requires good concentration to obtain a reliable result. For this reason we recommend APD assessments on children from 6 years of age.

Based on the results of the tests and more importantly the interaction of results across the tests, we are able to determine the presence, degree and type of APD.  

What can be done?

Most importantly, what can be done to assist children and adults with APD. Depending on the type and degree of APD present, the Audiologist develops an individually tailored set of recommendations, which may include:

·     Direct intervention with a speech therapist or occupational therapist;

·     Learning strategies for the classroom;

·     Compensatory strategies for daily life; and

·     Activities which can be practiced at home to help strengthen certain auditory skills. 

We may also recommend further assessments that can help provide more information for you and your child.

To arrange an AP assessment, please obtain a referral from your General Practitioner and phone 1300 965 513  to find your closest Neurosensory Unit clinic, that provides this service.