Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD)

Doctor examining patient's ear with otoscope.

Understanding Central Auditory Processing Disorders (CAPD)

Central Auditory Processing Disorders, or simply auditory processing disorders, refer to issues with how the brain processes auditory information from the ears. This involves various skills, such as paying attention to sound, focusing on speech amidst background noise, and distinguishing between different pitches or loudness levels. It also includes associating sounds with meaning and breaking words down into their component sounds or combining sounds to form words.

Causes of CAPD

The exact causes of CAPD are not definitively known, but they may stem from differences in brain development. There's also evidence linking CAPD to factors like head trauma, recurrent ear infections in early childhood, lead poisoning, or oxygen deprivation. While conditions like autism or ADHD can affect listening and understanding, CAPD specifically refers to auditory problems not caused by other cognitive, language issues, or overall conditions. Importantly, CAPD is also not caused by hearing loss.

Doctor examining child's ear with otoscope.

Symptoms of CAPD

If CAPD are not detected and treated early, children with CAPD can develop language and speech delays, and may have trouble in school. Symptoms vary from mild to severe, and may include:

Frequently Asks for Repetition or Clarification

Particular Difficulty Understanding Speech in Noisy Settings

Problems Telling the Difference Between Words That Sound Similar

Difficulty Following Both Simple and Complicated Directions

Trouble Following Conversation on the Phone

Difficulty With Reading, Writing, or Spelling

Lack of Interest in Music

Difficulty Learning Foreign Languages

Diagnosing and Managing CAPD

Assessing CAPD

When an auditory processing disorder is suspected, a team of professionals will conduct testing to examine all aspects of the disorder. This team might include a teacher to assess academic issues, a psychologist to evaluate cognitive skills, and a speech-language pathologist (SLP) to test speech and language abilities. However, only an audiologist (hearing specialist) can make the diagnosis of CAPD by performing a series of tests on hearing and the brain's response to auditory stimuli.

Treating CAPD

Treatment for CAPD, provided by an SLP or other professionals, must be individualized and focused on the specific areas of difficulty. Therapy activities can include direct practice with a therapist, computer-based programs, or home exercises designed to improve the impaired skills.

The SLP may also train the client to use compensatory strategies that leverage their strengths, such as visual skills or memory, to overcome auditory challenges. Additionally, the SLP might teach the client, family, and teachers to modify the home or school environment to make auditory problems more manageable. Examples include using electronic listening devices, sitting at the front of the class, taking tests in a quiet room, or teachers providing visual information in addition to auditory cues.

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