Auditory Processing
In short, central auditory processing describes is the communication that takes place between our ears and our brain. Hearing and auditory processing are separate systems, but both must work well for us to be able to hear, and then understand sound.
Around 5% of school children suffer from Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), where their brain isn’t able to make sense of what their ears hear due to a distorted signal.
Our perception and understanding of sounds is generated by a complex auditory processing system in our brains.
CAPD describes a breakdown in the hearing process whereby our brain cannot make sense of what our ears hear because the auditory signal is distorted in some way.
Children with CAPD often experience difficulties understanding and interpreting sounds, particularly in noisy environments like classrooms
At Mackay Hearing, auditory processing abilities are assessed over two appointments. An auditory processing test is non-invasive.
Often, behavioural symptoms of accompanying conditions are treated, but underlying auditory processing issues are undiagnosed. The auditory system is an ideal focal point for intervention as it influences many areas of functioning and behaviour.