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Hearing Aids

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CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER (CAPD)


CAPD is a disruption in the brain’s ability to effectively and efficiently use auditory information, thus having a profound influence on the individual’s ability to listen and learn.Individuals with Auditory processing disorders come across as though they have a hearing loss when in fact, their hearing is often within normal limits.


CAPD has been noted to co-exist with a number of other disorders like ADHD, autism, language impairment, dyslexia and learning disability.


Children with CAPD might exhibit the following:

  • Is easily distracted by background noise/difficulty hearing in noisy situations.
  • Difficulty following long conversations.
  • Difficulty taking notes.
  • Easily distracted by other sounds in the environment.
  • Does not listen carefully to directions and often need instructions to be repeated.
  • Forgets what is said in a few minutes.
  • Has difficulty recalling a sequence that has been heard.
  • Experiences problems with sound discriminations.
  • Says “huh” & “what” a lot (at least 5 times in a day)
  • Does not pay attention to what is being said.
  • Difficulty with reading and/or spelling.
  • Difficulty with organisational skills.
  • Has a history of hearing loss.
  • Has a history of ear infections.
  • Day dreams a lot.

How to help a child with Auditory Processing Disorder?

A multidisciplinary approach is crucial for accurate diagnosis. Members of the team typically include a Speech Language Pathologist, Psychologist, Teacher, Parents and Audiologist. The Audiologist performs a comprehensive test that are specific to the person’s age, language, auditory problems and cognitive abilities. Treatment options are as outlined below.


  • Use of specialised computer based programmes that are specifically recommended by the Audiologist depending on child’s needs.
  • Use of an assistive listening device such as a personal FM system or sound field system. This allows the child to hear the teacher’s voice directly even if there is other distracting background noise.
  • Speech in noise training.
  • Direct therapy in the form of Phonologic/Auditory awareness training.
  • Breaking instructions into simple steps.
  • Sitting close to the teacher in the classroom so that the child can hear the teacher's voice louder.
  • Written instructions can be given to get the message through.
  • Acoustic modifications.
  • Reduce noise in the classroom.
  • Quiet study place at home.
  • Encourage the child to ask the teacher/parent to repeat what has been said if they haven’t understood the instructions.
  • Gaining attention prior to speaking.
  • Generous use of positive reinforcement.
  • Teachers and parents to check on child’s comprehension
  • Pre teaching new information or vocabulary.
  • Provision of a note taker.
  • Avoidance of auditory fatigue.

The Audiologist who performs the assessment would discuss the options based on what is best suited to the child’s needs. At Agape we perform a comprehensive Auditory Processing Assessment in a professional yet friendly manner at the child’s own pace.