We conduct Auditory Processing Screening assessments for
children and adults who are suspected of having auditory processing difficulties.
Whereas hearing is a function of the ear, auditory
processing - listening - is a function of the brain. Auditory processing
describes the way the brain assigns significance and meaning to the sounds in
the environment. Effective auditory processing involves a relatively high speed
of information transfer. It also requires a good attention span, a
well-functioning memory, and sensitivity to the many subtleties of sound. When
parts of this complex system break down or don't operate efficiently, listening
is compromised. Ensuing problems are collectively known as Auditory
Processing Difficulties or Auditory Processing Disorders (APD).
It is important to know that auditory processing problems
present as a range of
symptoms, some of which are a feature of many other disorders. such as
Autism, Dyslexia, Learning Disabilities, Dyspraxia, Asperger's Syndrome,
Developmental and Speech delay, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD) with or without hyperactivity. It is not unusual for the aforementioned
disorders to be treated for their behavioural symptoms only and for the auditory
processing component to be ignored. Because the auditory system influences so
many other areas of functioning however, it is a significant focal point for
intervention.
How do I know if I or my child may have Auditory Processing
Difficulties?
Auditory processing tends to manifest as poor listening
skills and there are a number of signs to look out for such as:
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Difficulty following verbal instructions
Needing instructions repeated or simplified
Taking a long time to respond verbally
Poor short-term auditory memory
Over-sensitivity to certain sounds
Misinterpreting auditory information
Weak vocabulary
Broken or hesitant speech
Delayed speech and language
Word retrieval difficulties
Weak, flat or monotone voice
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Reading, writing and spelling difficulties Letter and number reversals
Poor coordination and motor planning
Poor sense of balance or rhythm
Clumsiness
Left and right confusion
Restlessness, fidgeting and/or hyperactive behaviour
Being easily distracted by ambient noise
Daydreaming
Low self-esteem and confidence
Disorganised syntax / sentence structure |
What is an Auditory Processing Screening Assessment?
An Auditory Processing Screening Assessment is
comprised of a number of tests to examine different
aspects of auditory processing and
to pinpoint the specific area(s) of difficulty. For
example, it is important to identify whether the
difficulties lie in the speed at which an individual is
processing auditory information, or in how they
integrate sounds from multiple sources, or whether the
problems centre around maintaining attention to auditory
information. These are just some of the aspects of
auditory processing difficulties.
The first step in an assessment is for the individual to
have an updated hearing test to ensure that the problems
identified are not being caused by an inability to
actually receive sound.
Secondly, the individual will undertake a number of
tests which involve repeating words or sounds presented
through headphones in a quiet room. Words are presented
to one ear at a time and under different conditions such
as with competing information in the other ear, with
background noise, or at increased speeds.
Other tests include giving different messages to each
ear at the same time to check whether the individual is
able to process both simultaneously. Sound is
administered at varying volumes (measured in decibels)
and pitch or frequency (measured in hertz) to determine
areas of particular difficulty.
Short-term auditory memory
and auditory attention are also assessed as these are
important components of auditory processing.
BioMARK ( also referred to as BioMAP )
Where appropriate, a BioMARK assessment may be required.
The Biological Marker of Auditory Processing (BioMAP,
also referred to as BioMARK) is a neurophysiological
used to objectively identify auditory processing
dysfunction at the brain stem level (measured through
the auditory brainstem response, ABR) and does not
require active attention from the child or individual.
This tool was developed by Northwestern University USA and
it can be used for children from the age of 3. To watch
a DVD about BioMARK assessment, please click here
(http://www.soc.northwestern.edu/brainvolts/projects/clintech/biomark/index.php).
Where children are assessed, behaviour is also observed
along with their speech development, and all of this
information combined provides a holistic understanding
of the child's abilities. For adults, they are able to
provide subjective reports of their own listening
difficulties and in which situations they occur.
Following this assessment, a full written report with
results and recommendations is provided and discussed
during a meeting with the examining clinician.
Would you like to know more?
Contact us and attend one of our information
sessions.
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