with Chelsea Spokes , Clinical Audiologist Ear Studio

Auditory processing is how the brain processes what you hear . In short , it ’ s how the brain recognises and interprets speech and sound . When there is an error in auditory processing , it is known as an auditory processing disorder ( APD ).

This processing disorder can affect both children and adults , even if they have normal hearing on a standard hearing test . For children , this may present as misunderstanding when listening ,

difficulties following instructions , difficulties listening in the presence of background noise such as a classroom , unable to maintain their attention or being easily distracted .

APD can also present in more unusual ways such as difficulties in spelling , reading , articulation or short-term auditory memory . With the school year about to begin , be alert to how your child is , or is not , interacting , engaging and understanding at home and in the classroom .

For adults , many people complain that they need to constantly asks for repeats during conversations , struggle to hear with background noise , are always getting music lyrics wrong or must use subtitles to understand the television .

In a general population , approximately 6 per cent of people will have an auditory processing disorder . However , the prevalence of APD is higher in marginalised and vulnerable populations . APD can also occur alongside autism , ADHD , dyslexia , and brain injury . Additionally , the incidence of APD is higher if a child has had middle ear pathologies during early childhood .

APD can be frustrating , confusing , and isolating . However , the good news is that research has shown that APD can be tested and treated in children as young as 3-5 years old . The process of identifying if you have

any auditory processing concerns must start with an evaluation by an audiologist who specialises in this field .

Your audiologist will assess your hearing to understand what sounds you can and cannot detect . An individual , or child can have hearing that appears to be normal on a standard hearing test , but still have an auditory processing disorder .

The assessment focuses on the four key pillars of auditory processing : decoding , memory , organisation , and integration . Once a deficit has been diagnosed , we can match the problem the individual is having , to a treatment . This involves auditory training to improve a specific auditory skill .

Think of it this way , your ears are the hardware , and your brain is the software . If there is a problem with your ears being able to detect a sound , this may mean that you have a hearing loss that can be managed with listening devices such as hearing aids .

If these tests identify an issue such as an inability to hear speech amongst background noise , treatments can focus on training the brain to increase your tolerance to background noise and improve your accuracy in these situations . At Ear Studio , we have specialised

audiologists who assess auditory processing . If you have concerns about your own , or your child ’ s auditory processing skills , an appointment should be arranged .

Ear Studio is at Suite 9 / 60 Cecil Avenue , Lawton House Castle Hill and also inside Terrey Hills Family Surgery , 50 Booralie Road , Terrey Hills . Ph : 02 9159 6122 Email : reception @ earstudio . com . au or visit www . earstudio . com . au .

Trading hours : Monday to Friday 9:00am to 6:00pm , Saturday by appointment only .

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