Auditory Processing Disorder Assessments based in Lavonia, Loganville and Watkinsville, GA

Even with normal hearing, you might struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. This could be a sign of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), a condition that affects people of all ages but is most common in school-aged children. APD is often missed by standard hearing tests. Early detection is crucial for supporting development and education. At Hearing + Balance Clinics, we take extra steps to diagnose and address the underlying cause of hearing challenges.

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Concerned about Auditory Processing in yourself or your child?

If you live in or around Athens, Lavonia, or Loganville, GA, understanding your auditory processing abilities is within reach at Hearing + Balance Clinics. Our experienced doctors of audiology specialize in comprehensive Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) assessments, helping identify processing difficulties early when intervention can be most effective.

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Let's Understand Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is a complex condition affecting how the brain processes speech signals, even when the ears are functioning normally. The condition manifests in various ways, including difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments, challenges distinguishing between similar-sounding words (like "seventy" and "seventeen"), and problems following multi-step verbal instructions. Those with APD may struggle with four key processing skills: auditory discrimination (distinguishing between sounds), auditory figure-ground discrimination (focusing on specific voices in noise), auditory memory (recalling what was heard), and auditory sequencing (understanding the order of sounds and words).

APD affects both children and adults, though its impact and origins can vary significantly between these groups. In children, APD can significantly affect academic performance and social development, and it's often mistaken for or coexists with other conditions like ADHD, dyslexia, or autism spectrum disorder. For adults, APD may develop as a result of hearing loss, cognitive decline, or neurological conditions such as stroke or traumatic brain injury. It's particularly prevalent among military veterans exposed to blast injuries, affecting approximately 15% of this population. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for proper diagnosis and effective treatment strategies.

5 Signs you might need this Service

Common Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder

APD can cause difficulty processing verbal information, leading to challenges in focus, comprehension, and following directions. It often impacts learning and communication in various ways.

Attention and Processing Challenges

Individuals show difficulty maintaining focus and become easily distracted, requiring extra time to process and respond to verbal information.

Verbal Direction Difficulties

Following multi-step verbal instructions becomes challenging, often requiring repeated instructions or written guidance for successful completion.

Social Communication Barriers

Understanding sarcasm, jokes, and subtle vocal cues presents significant challenges, impacting social interactions and relationships.

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Academic and Learning Impact

APD affects multiple learning areas, including reading, spelling, writing, and information sequencing abilities.

What Our 4 Part APD Assessments Involve

A Case History Discussion

Your age, auditory ability, genetics, and speech concerns as well as a range of other factors that may contribute toward the development of APD will be discussed as part of your case history. If you are an adult, it is a good idea to bring someone who is well-acquainted with you and your history to assist in answering questions and providing input into this conversation.

Comprehensive Hearing Assessment

Our thorough hearing evaluation is an essential first step to rule out hearing loss as the underlying cause of your difficulties. This assessment includes not only standard hearing tests but also specialized evaluations such as auditory figure-ground testing (understanding speech in noise), auditory closure testing (filling in gaps in speech), dichotic listening (processing simultaneous speech), temporal processing (distinguishing similar sounds), and binaural interaction testing (sound localization).

For children and adults with special considerations, we may also employ advanced electrophysiology testing using non-invasive electrodes to gain deeper insights into your central auditory processing system. Parents, teachers, and other caregivers often provide valuable input during this assessment phase, helping create a complete picture of the challenges being experienced.

An Evaluation of the Central Auditory System

Evaluating the functional capabilities of the auditory system involves various behavioral tests, like those mentioned above. Electrophysiologic testing may be used to evaluate the functionality of neural processes in the central auditory pathway as well as determine the integrity of the central auditory nervous system (CANS) from the auditory vestibular nerve to the auditory cortex.

Results Analysis and Treatment Planning

Following your assessment, we conduct a thorough analysis of all test results to identify specific auditory processing challenges. Our audiologists create detailed reports that map out areas of strength and weakness in your auditory processing abilities. We then develop a comprehensive treatment strategy that addresses your unique processing difficulties, taking into account your daily activities, academic or work requirements, and personal goals.

Customized Management Program Development

Based on your assessment results, we create a personalized management program that combines multiple proven approaches. This may include specialized auditory training exercises, environmental modifications, and technological solutions such as FM systems or other assistive devices. We also provide specific strategies for different environments (classroom, workplace, or home) and work closely with other professionals like speech therapists, educators, or occupational therapists to ensure a coordinated approach to your APD management. Regular progress monitoring and program adjustments ensure continued improvement in your auditory processing abilities.

Got Questions?

What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?

APD is a condition where someone has normal hearing but struggles to process and make sense of what they hear, particularly in noisy environments or with complex verbal instructions.

How common is APD in children?

APD affects approximately 5% of school-aged children in the US (about 2.5 million), though some researchers suggest it could affect up to 12% of the population.

Can adults have APD too?

Yes, adults can develop APD, often as a result of hearing loss, cognitive decline, neurological conditions, or traumatic brain injury. It's particularly common among military veterans exposed to blast injuries.

How is APD different from hearing loss?

With APD, hearing tests often show normal or near-normal hearing. The issue lies not with hearing ability but with how the brain processes and interprets sound signals.

What are the key symptoms of APD?

Key symptoms include difficulty following verbal directions, trouble understanding speech in noisy environments, confusion between similar-sounding words, and challenges with learning tasks involving auditory information.

How long does an APD assessment take?

The assessment is a comprehensive four-part process that includes case history discussion, hearing assessment, central auditory system evaluation, and results consultation. Each component is thorough to ensure accurate diagnosis.

Should I bring someone with me to the assessment?

Yes, especially for adults, it's recommended to bring someone familiar with your history who can help provide accurate information during the case history discussion.

What types of tests are included in an APD assessment?

The assessment includes various tests such as auditory figure-ground testing, auditory closure testing, dichotic listening, temporal processing, and binaural interaction testing. Some cases may require advanced electrophysiology testing.

Will I receive a treatment plan after diagnosis?

Yes, following your results consultation, you'll receive a customized treatment plan that may include auditory training, specialized language therapy techniques, and practical strategies for managing APD in daily life.

How early can APD be diagnosed and treated?

Early detection and intervention are crucial, especially for school-aged children, to ensure a solid developmental foundation for education and future career success. The earlier APD is identified, the more effective intervention can be.

Schedule an APD Assessment

APD is often misdiagnosed as hearing loss because the symptoms are very similar. Consequently, the starting point for addressing your hearing challenges, or those of your child, is a hearing evaluation with a doctor of audiology at the Hearing + Balance Clinics location nearest you.

Simply submit the adjacent form for you or your child, and a member of our team will call you back to help you schedule an evaluation.

Very nice and helpful staff. Always take time to let me ask questions. First time at the Watkinsville office but most of the same staff. I have been with them for several years now and very pleased.

Mike Smith

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