Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a hearing problem which affects the capacity of a person to process the sounds they hear. It is estimated that around 5% of school-aged children are affected. It is thought that children with APD can hear normally, however their brains cannot process the sounds accurately, particularly when there is background noise. It therefore doesnt just affect the ability to hear sound, it also makes it difficult to localise where sound is coming from and understand speech.
APD is often confused with behavioural disorders in children, because the symptoms can be similar. Learning difficulties, difficulty following instructions, poor verbal skills and behavioural issues can all be symptoms of APD. We can test for Auditory Processing Disorder at Taree. If you are registered with NDIS, you may be covered under your current plan arrangements and therefore there may be no cost to you. Contact our friendly team 02 5510 9777 and they can talk you through the steps. Alternatively, send us an email at info@midcoasthearing.com.au and our Audiologist will respond to your enquiry as soon as they can.
APD is often confused with behavioural disorders in children, because the symptoms can be similar. Learning difficulties, difficulty following instructions, poor verbal skills and behavioural issues can all be symptoms of APD. We can test for Auditory Processing Disorder at Taree. If you are registered with NDIS, you may be covered under your current plan arrangements and therefore there may be no cost to you. Contact our friendly team 02 5510 9777 and they can talk you through the steps. Alternatively, send us an email at info@midcoasthearing.com.au and our Audiologist will respond to your enquiry as soon as they can.
How do we test for APD?
Our assessment process requires two appointments:Appointment 1: This appointment involves us chatting about your child's history, learning and hearing skills. We will also perform a basic hearing test to ensure the child doesn't have any undetected hearing loss.
Appointment 2: This appointment can take up to 90 minutes to complete. Unlike other hearing clinics, we do the full APD test battery to checks all aspects of auditory processing, not just Spatialised Auditory Processing Disorder which the LiSN-S assesses. Intermittent breaks are provided to ensure your child remains alert and energised. Please book at a time when your child is well rested and alert. If they are not well rested then we will get incorrect results.
Management of APD
We work collaboratively with Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapist, Psychologists, Teachers and families. Mainly involves environmental Changes- The use of an FM system to reduce unwanted noise and preferrential seating in the classroom.
How can we help you?
Contact us for an appointment today
We look forward to meeting you