Auditory Processing Disorder in Children: Definition, Assessment and Management

Hearing is a complex process that is often taken for granted. As sounds strike the eardrum, the sounds (acoustic signals) begin to undergo a series of transformations through which the acoustic signals are changed into neural signals. These neural signals are then passed from the ear through complicated neural networks to various parts of the brain for additional analysis, and ultimately, recognition or comprehension. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) previously known as "Central Auditory Processing Disorder" (CAPD) is a such disorder that auditory information is incorrectly processed in the brain. It is not a sensory hearing impairment; individuals with APD usually have normal peripheral hearing ability. APD is an umbrella term that describes a variety of problems with the brain that can interfere with processing auditory information. APD is assessed through the use of special tests designed to assess the various auditory functions of the brain. In APD, the approaches to remediation or management fall into three main categories: (1) enhancing the individual's auditory perceptual skills, (2) enhancing the individual's language and cognitive resources, and (3) improving the quality of the auditory signal