Helping Listeners Make Sense of What They Hear

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also referred to as Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), occurs when the brain has difficulty processing sound accurately and efficiently. Individuals with APD usually have typical ("normal") hearing levels and may pass standard hearing tests; however, their ability to make sense of information that is heard is compromised. This disconnect between their ears and brain affects their ability to recognize and interpret sounds, undermining their listening and comprehension skills in most situations.

When a child (or adult) goes to have a standard hearing test, they usually don't show any signs of auditory processing challenges.  Standard audiology/hearing tests are done in a quiet room without any competing noises.  Responding to how soft one hears a "beep" or how they hear words without any noise present, does not tell us how the person makes sense of what they hear in the real world.

To diagnose APD, there needs to be more complicated tests that better capture the demands on hearing required in listening situations in the classroom, like:

• understanding words in noise, or coming from different directions

• sound pattern and pitch perception tests

• tests that help us undertsand how the ears work together

Students with APD are at a significant disadvantage in educational settings, as significantly more than 50% of information taught in classrooms is presented orally (spoken).  Students with a diagnosis of APD can qualify for services and supports in their school, with either an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or a 504 Plan.  

To qualify for an IEP, they would need to be found eligible under IDEA (Federal Educaiton Law)  

"The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in E.M v. Pajaro Valley Unified School District (August 2, 2012) ruled that an auditory processing disorder (APD) is an eligible diagnosis for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The ruling further stated that the diagnosis should be made through assessment completed by an audiologist. Eligibility could be classified under speech or language impairment, specific learning disability or other health impairment depending on the individual student situation." retrived from Educational Audiology Association's website https://www.edaud.org/advocacy/16-advocacy-10-15.pdf

Some students with APD will continue to make adequate progress in school. However, the effort it takes them to hear and understand the information presented is exhausting and limits their ability to learn at the same rate as their peers.  If students are not found eligible for an IEP, then schools are required to provide accommodations and can do so under a 504 Plan.  504 plans are part of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a civil rights law that guarantees individuals with disabilities equal access to schools receiving public funding (public schools). A 504 plan will state the student's APD diagnosis and outline the accommodations that must be provided.