Central Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment: FAQ

What is a Central Auditory Processing Disorder?

The definition of central auditory processing disorder (or CAPD) is a deficiency in the mental interpretation of auditory signals. Simply, if the ears and brain aren't fully coordinated in the processing of information, then a disorder or dysfunction exists.

Learning requires us to collect auditory information through our sense of hearing and then process that information in a way that means something. A child may test normally on a hearing assessment, but have tremendous difficulty processing sounds in a meaningful way. Of course, if something is blocking the brain's ability to properly process sounds, learning difficulties are likely to surface.

What are the Causes of Central Auditory Processing Disorder?

The causes of Central Auditory Processing Disorder are often unknown, or even controversial. They may include head trauma, tumors, degenerative disorders, childhood viruses, recurring ear infections, oxygen deprivation, lead poisoning, brain development issues, or none-of-the-above. In many children it comes down to an inability to develop the high speed and sophisticated processing skill required for language and/or reading. Central Auditory Processing Disorder may manifest itself alongside other difficulties, such as dyslexia or attention deficit disorder.

The symptoms of Central Auditory Processing Disorder are diverse and often masked by other behaviors.
Learn more about CAPD symptoms here

What Kinds of Treatment Exist?

Treatment usually focuses on three primary areas, changing the learning or communication environment, compensating for the disorder, and direct treatment.

Environmental Change. The goal is to improve access to auditorily presented information. The use of electronic devices that assist listening, and methods of altering the learning environment so that the child with CAPD can focus his or her attention on the message are used.

Compensatory Strategies. The goal is to assist listeners in strengthening their central resources including language, problem solving, memory, attention, and other skills. It teaches children to take responsibility for their own success or failure and encourages them to be active participants in daily listening activities through a variety of techniques.

Direct Treatment. This approach tries to remediate the disorder itself, taking advantage of the brain's ability to adapt and change. Different strategies include computer-assisted programs, listening protocols, and sometimes one-on-one training with a therapist. This is the fastest growing option for APD and it is Gemm's approach.

Is auditory processing hard-wired or can it be improved?

Scientists now know that the brain is plastic, all cognitive skills can be strengthened if exercised appropriately. The challenge is that the brian learns in an extremely integrated fashion and so individual skills are hard to isolate. Auditory processing skills are an exception however. The skill is easier to isolate because it involves the brains interaction with an auditory signal. Fast ForWord is one program that has been proven to strengthen auditory processing skills as shown on before and after fMRI's.

What is Gemm's Central Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment?

CAPD treatment should be individualized, intense, and effective. Our program, Fast ForWord software, uses adaptive sound training to build the brain's auditory processing foundation.
How Gemm provides CAPD help