Auditory Processing

Hearing Impairment

When it comes to hearing impairment, the ears aren’t always the source of the problem. An individual may have a hearing sensitivity level that falls within the normal range, but have difficulty in processing what they hear. The way the brain interprets auditory information is called auditory processing (AP), and when this function doesn’t work correctly, a person may be diagnosed with auditory processing disorder (APD) or central auditory processing disorder (CAPD).

The experts at the Center for Audiology are equipped to diagnose and treat individuals with APD. All of our doctors hold Certificates of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), and our main office in Edison, NJ is equipped with the most advanced hearing care technologies.

Auditory Processing Disorder Symptoms

Individuals can experience APD at any age. It’s typically diagnosed when someone appears to have trouble hearing, yet an audiology evaluation reveals that they do not, in fact, have any measurable hearing loss.

Patients may also present difficulty with the following:

  • Sound localization and lateralization
  • Auditory discrimination
  • Auditory pattern recognition
  • Temporal ordering
  • Auditory performance with competing sounds
  • Auditory performance with degraded sounds

Due to the speech and communication problems associated with APD, it’s often misdiagnosed as ADHD or a language, learning, social, emotional or cognitive disorder. While APD is not caused by any specific condition, it may coexist with other medical issues.

Contact Us

Schedule your appointment today and see why the Center for Audiology has a 95% customer satisfaction rating. Both day and evening appointments are available, plus walk-in emergency service for those experiencing hearing aid problems.

Address:
Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
65 James Street
Edison, NJ 08818

Phone: 732-321-7063

Satellite Office:
Johnson Rehabilitation Institute
300 Overlook Drive
Monroe, NJ 08831

Phone: 609-409-1170

Evaluation and Treatment

If APD is suspected, an audiologist at JFK Medical Center can run a series of tests to confirm a diagnosis and create a personalized treatment plan. Management options vary depending on the patient’s age and circumstances, but common treatment methods include:

  • Direct Therapy: Awareness training, auditory training, etc.
  • Environmental Modification: Improving classroom acoustics, using personal FM equipment, etc.
  • Compensatory Strategies: Practicing active listening, problem solving, journaling and more.