Behavioral tests are broken down into four categories, which will be described in detail further in this brochure. The tests for central auditory function fall into the categories of (1) behavioral and (2) electrophysical. Before this type of testing begins, each person will receive a routine hearing evaluation to test for auditory acuity. There are many tests that an audiologist can use to assess central auditory function. Valuable information can be gained through this multidisciplinary approach regarding an individuals strengths and weaknesses, but the actual diagnosis of a central auditory problem must be made by and audiologist. A good case history, academic profile, and descriptions of school and home behavior are essential. Teachers, diagnosticians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists and even work supervisors may shed light on problems associated with school or work. HOW IS CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING ASSESSED?Ī multidisciplinary team approach is crucial in assessing and understanding problems associated with an auditory processing disorder. In other cases, trauma, viral infections, lack of oxygen or degenerative disorders can contribute to central auditory processing disorders.Ī definitive diagnosis of a central auditory processing disorder cannot be made until specialized auditory testing is completed and other etiologies such as dyslexia, hearing loss attention deficit disorder or behavioral problems (to name a few) are ruled out. In children, auditory processing problems may be related to age and development of the auditory centers in the brain, which may or may not naturally resolve itself as the child matures. There is no one specific cause for a central auditory processing disorder. A central auditory processing disorder is a deficiency in any of these areas. WHAT IS CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER?Ĭentral auditory processes are mechanisms responsible for several important phenomena such as sound localization, discrimination (understanding what we hear), auditory performance when the signal is degraded (think of an old record) and auditory performance in noise. In other words, auditory processing is what the listener does with the auditory information he/she receives. Because these individuals have normal hearing acuity, auditory processing problems may not be readily identified and may be mislabeled as a behavior problem or attention deficit disorder. They may have trouble sequencing a story of following a sequence of instructions. For instance, a person can have normal hearing but may have problems following directions or understanding conversations in noisy environments. In central auditory processing, the brain must identify the incoming sounds and make an analysis of those sounds and attach meaning to them. There are many people, both children and adults, who have no trouble with actual hearing acuity, that is to say that the hearing is normal, but who have other types of auditory difficulties.Īuditory processing is the ability to interpret the sounds that one has heard. Hearing acuity is only one part in the processing that occurs in the auditory system.
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