Children and adults with central auditory processing deficits may experience difficulty understanding auditory information, despite having normal peripheral hearing.
Central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a problem in the brain that leads to the inability to accurately and efficiently process auditory information. Individuals with CAPD may have difficulty understanding speech in background noise, interpreting humor and sarcasm, localizing sound, and following multi-step directions. Additionally, they may have associated weaknesses in reading and spelling. The causes and risk factors for CAPD may include age or traumatic related changes in neurological functioning, inherited traits, neuro-maturational delays, or recurrent middle ear infections.
Here at the Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic we pride ourselves in offering comprehensive central auditory processing evaluations. Licensed and certified clinical educators in audiology and speech language pathology, as well as graduate clinicians in each field, make up the interdisciplinary team and review each referral received.
If it is determined that testing is appropriate, the individual completes a full auditory processing evaluation as well as a speech and language assessment. The team reviews the results of all testing completed, as well as information gathered from the home and school environments, to determine if there is evidence of a CAPD. A detailed report with recommendations is generated and consultation with the family is offered.
If you or someone you know is interested in a CAP evaluation, please contact the Eckelmann-Taylor Speech and Hearing Clinic at (309) 438-8641 for more information.
