Central Auditory Processing
Central auditory processing is a problem that is not well understood by pediatricians. Problems with the external auditory canal, tympanic membrane, middle ear cavity and eustation tube function, and even peripheral neuropathy are easier for us to understand, mainly because there is an identifiable anatomic lesion associated with each area. The central problems are far more difficult to understand and far more heterogeneous than the peripheral ones. Below is a checklist that will help identify children with potential hearing problems.
- Frequently misunderstands oral instructions or questions
- Delays in responding to oral instructions or questions
- Says "Huh" or "What" frequently
- Frequently needs repetition of directions or information
- Frequently needs requests repetition
- Has problems understanding in background noise
- Is easily distracted by background noise
- May have problems with phonics or discriminating speech sounds
- May have poor expressive or receptive language
- May have spelling, reading, and other academic problems
- May have behavioral problems
Listed below are several websites that will help parents understand more about CAP:
http://www.theshop.net/campbell/central.htm Central auditory processing web pages: a more complete discussion of CAP with many other links
http://www.ldonline.org/ld_indepth/process_deficit/capd_paton.html A description of CAP by an audiologist; very informative and prescriptive.
http://pages.cthome.net/cbristol/capd.html A wonderful parent's guide.
A description of the problem with recommendations for sitting and setting placement within the classroom. http://www.ldanatl.org/factsheets/Auditory.html
Speech and language problems comprise another related area of pathology. There are children who have problems with communication who do not necessarily have problems with hearing/processing. These children may have, however, the same presentation as the children with CAP as described in the CAP checklist. Below is a list of helpful web sites for speech and language difficulties.
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/parents/speechandlanguage.htm A description of language, its acquisition and a chart of normal acquisition patterns.
http://www.ldonline.org/abcs_info/ld_types.html A description of various types of speech and language disorders.
http://www.apraxia-kids.org/ A specific discussion of apraxia or dyspraxia of speech.
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/not_talk.html A discussion of age appropriate norms and problems with acquisition
The differentiation of language problems from CAP is difficult and requires special intervention.
