Issues of Education

Other Terms for Auditory Processing Disorders

Central Auditory Processing Disorder or Dysfunction (CAPD)

Auditory Perception Disorder or Dysfunction

Central Auditory Dysfunction

Auditory processing is the process by which the brain recognizes and interprets the sounds that it hears. The disorder comes about when the brain is unable to process the sounds properly. Auditory Processing Disorders is a term that explains how people are unable to recognize differences in sounds in words and letters even though the sounds themselves are loud. In other words, auditory processing disorder is not a problem with the function of the ear but a problem with how the brain is processing.

Auditory processing is usually associated with dyslexia, attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD), ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), autism, or developmental delay and sometimes they may be misdiagnosed.

Symptoms include:

Difficulty carrying out multi-step directions

Difficulty paying attention and remembering information presented orally

Seemingly poor listening skills

Low academic performance

Language difficulties (confusing syllables blends)

Problems with reading, comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary

In addition to evaluations to rule out other possibilities by other doctors, an audiologist will give the tests to determine what and how the ear and brain are hearing the sounds. A speech pathologist/speech therapist can determine how a person uses and understands language. If there are delays therapies can be implemented to make improvements.