Central Auditory Processing Disorder

(CAPD) - diagnosis and therapy

using the Neuroflow method

.

The term Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) refers to deficits in the neural processing of auditory information not resulting from cognitive and linguistic dysfunctions. A person with APD (with normal physical hearing) will have difficulty recognizing and interpreting sounds, including speech sounds.
A child with APD behaves similar to a child with a mild hearing loss and has difficulty learning by hearing, especially in noisy backgrounds.

What causes Auditory Processing Disorders?
• in the prenatal period: viral infections, hypoxia in newborn, preterm birth,
• in the postpartum period: adenoid hypertrophy, chronic otitis media with effusion (OME)
• genetic predispositions related to delayed or disturbed development of the central nervous system,
• visual and auditory overstimulation (internet, computer games, tv)
Signs and symptoms of CAPD in children:

• trouble understanding speech in noisy backgrounds (for example classroom)
• difficulty following complex auditory directions or commands
• confusing similar words (for example free and three), spelling errors
• difficulty paying attention, difficulty with auditory memory
• associated reading, spelling, and learning problems (including learning a new language)
• taking longer to respond in communication situations, the child needs more time to hear and process the information
• tiredness after being in a noisy environment.
How to diagnose a child suspected of having CAPD?
The diagnosis consists of detailed interview regarding the child's development (starting from the pregnancy period), tonal audiometry test to diagnose basic hearing functions and Neuroflow tests to assess higher hearing functions. It is also advisable to conduct a psychological and pedagogical diagnosis in order to assess the level of intellectual development and basic school skills, for example reading and writing.

How to help a child with CAPD?

The therapy of children with central auditory processing disorders is based on individually selected auditory training. It can be carried out in a therapy office, but also at home under the supervision of parents. Therapy takes place 3 times a week and last about 20-30 minutes. To conduct the training, you need: a desktop computer or a laptop, headphones and a reliable internet.

Good diagnosis and start of therapy in the appropriate time will avoid many school and growing up troubles. Therapy will help to utilize all the intellectual potential of a child.

If your child experiences symptoms of CAPD diagnose it and start the therapy at NZOZ EPMED in Radom, ul. Waryńskiego 9a/8 phone: 483311929

The article is based on:
Senderski A.: "Diagnosis and Therapy of Auditory Processing Disorders APD according to the Neuroflow method. Active auditory training ”. Teaching materials.


Agnieszka Bondarowicz, MA
surdopedagogue, Neuroflow provider
NZOZ EPMED Kielska s.j
Radom, Waryńskiego Street 9a /8
Tel. 483311929