Auditory Processing or Central Auditory Processing occurs in children and adult and typically are identified by Speech-Langauge Pathologists or Audiologists. Although from a practice perspective, we do not diagnose APD, CAPD, or CAP, however, we do treat language deficits that co-occur with the disorder of perceptual processing.
ASHA refers to the term CAPD to refer to deficits in the neural processing of auditory information in the central auditory nervous system that is not due to higher order language or cognition, as demonstrated by poor performance in one or more of the skills listed above (ASHA, 2005).
ASHA further states that:
- CAPD may lead to or be associated with difficulties in higher order such as language, learning and communication functions.
- It can coexist with other disorders such as attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD), language impairment and/or a learning disability.
- CAPD, furthermore, is not due to a peripheral hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss. (ASHA 2022)
Evidence suggests that CAPD affects not only central auditory processing but phonemic processing and linguistic processing as well.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Difficulty localizing sound
- Difficulty understanding spoken language in competing messages, in noisy backgrounds, in reverberant environments, or when presented rapidly
- Taking longer to respond in oral communication situations
- Frequent requests for repetitions, saying “what” and “huh” frequently
- Inconsistent or inappropriate responding
- Difficulty comprehending and following rapid speech
- Difficulty following complex auditory directions or commands
- Difficulty learning songs or nursery rhymes
- Misunderstanding messages, such as detecting prosody changes that help to interpret sarcasm or jokes
- Poor musical and singing skills
- Difficulty paying attention
- Being easily distracted
- Poor performance on speech and language or psychoeducational tests in the areas of auditory-related skills
- Associated reading, spelling, and learning problems
- Difficulty learning a new language
Causes and risk factors: (Bamiou, Musiek, & Luxon, 2001; Baran & Musiek, 1999; Chermak & Musiek, 2011):
- Age-related changes in CANS function
- Genetic determinants
- Neurological disorder, disease, or damage
- Brain injury (e.g., head trauma, meningitis)
- Cerebrovascular disorder (e.g., stroke)
- Degenerative diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis)
- Exposure to neurotoxins (e.g., heavy metals, organic solvents)
- Lesions of the central nervous system (CNS)
- Seizure disorders
- Neuromaturational delay secondary to deafness/auditory deprivation
- Otologic disorder, disease, or injury (e.g., auditory deprivation secondary to recurrent otitis media)
- Prenatal/neonatal factors
- Anoxia/hypoxia
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Low birth weight
- Prematurity
- Prenatal drug exposure
For more information, please contact our office at 972-332-0084 or visit ASHA’s webpage:
