Sometimes, children exhibit classic signs of hearing loss: they do not hear well, or may only understand a portion of what is being said. They experience learning difficulties, particularly in environments with lots of background noise. When multiple people are talking, they lose focus and can’t follow the conversation.
Parents may suspect a hearing loss, but in many cases, the cause is a behavioral disorder known as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). At Ear, Nose and Throat Associates, P.C.’s Dupont location, Dr. Tina Sheehan is the only audiologist in a 250-mile radius to offer treatment for CAPD.
What Is CAPD?
An estimated five percent of school-age children suffer from CAPD, a condition that affects their ability to process information correctly due to a disconnect between what they are hearing and how their brain responds.
Most children with CAPD don’t actually have hearing loss. A person with hearing loss may not hear sounds clearly, while a person with APD may hear the sounds but struggle to understand them. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and include difficulty with any of the following:
- Hearing in noisy environments
- Following conversations
- Remembering spoken information
- Maintaining focus and attention
- Following directions
- Reading and spelling
- Processing nonverbal information
What Causes CAPD?
The exact cause of APD is not always known, but several factors can contribute to its development.
Risk factors may include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Premature birth or low birth weight
- Head trauma or neurological disorders
- Recurrent ear infections (otitis media), especially during childhood
How Is CAPD Diagnosed?
A comprehensive audiological evaluation is necessary to diagnose APD. This evaluation typically includes a series of specialized tests designed to assess various aspects of auditory processing, such as:
- Auditory discrimination: Distinguishing between similar sounds
- Auditory closure: Filling in missing parts of a sound or word
- Auditory memory: Remembering spoken information
- Temporal processing: Understanding the timing and sequencing of sounds
At The Hearing Center, Dr. Tina Sheehan, AuD, CCC-A, specializes in the diagnosis and management of APD. With extensive experience and advanced training in auditory processing assessment, Dr. Sheehan provides comprehensive evaluations to identify specific auditory processing deficits. She is uniquely qualified to serve the APD needs of Northeast Indiana residents, being the only dedicated APD expert within a 250-mile radius.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters – Especially in Northeast Indiana
Early identification and intervention are crucial for children with APD. Undiagnosed and untreated APD can lead to academic difficulties, social challenges, and decreased self-esteem. For adults, APD can impact career success and overall quality of life. The Hearing Center is committed to providing timely and effective APD services to the residents of Fort Wayne and the surrounding Northeast Indiana communities. We are the only center within a large radius that specializes in APD.
How Is CAPD Treated?
While there’s no cure for APD, various treatment strategies can help individuals improve their auditory processing skills and manage the challenges associated with the condition.
Common treatment approaches include:
- Auditory training: Targeted exercises to improve specific auditory processing skills
- Compensatory strategies: Techniques to help individuals cope with auditory processing difficulties (e.g., using visual aids, requesting repetition)
- Environmental modifications: Adjusting the listening environment to reduce noise and distractions
- Speech therapy: Addressing any related speech and language difficulties
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: At what age can APD be diagnosed?
A: APD testing is typically performed on children aged 7 years and older.
Q: How long does an APD evaluation take?
A: A comprehensive APD evaluation usually takes between 2-3 hours.
Q: Is APD covered by insurance?
A: Many insurance plans cover APD testing and treatment. We recommend contacting your insurance provider to verify your specific coverage.
Q: Can APD be cured?
A: While there is no cure for APD, various treatment strategies can significantly improve auditory processing skills.
In summary, Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) presents unique challenges in how the brain interprets sounds, distinct from hearing loss. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment, offered expertly at The Hearing Center in Fort Wayne, are crucial for improving the lives of those affected in Northeast Indiana.
Schedule Your APD Evaluation in Fort Wayne
Don’t let Auditory Processing Disorder hold you or your child back. Contact The Hearing Center today to schedule a comprehensive APD evaluation with Dr. Tina Sheehan.
Call Ear, Nose & Throat Associates at (260) 426-8117 for more information or to schedule an appointment.