It is extremely difficult to evaluate young children for (C)APD due the paucity of normative data, therefore it is currently recommended that children be a minimum of 7 years and older for consideration of evaluation (Jerger & Musiek, 2000). One can administer, for example, the Gaps-In-Noise test on a 5-year-old, but it is impossible to interpret test results because there are no normative data for this age group (Shinn, Chermak & Musiek, 2009). Another diagnostic dilemma presents when clinicians agree to see very young patients (below the age of 7 years) for (C)AP testing. Second, if a patient with low cognitive functioning scores poorly on the (C)AP battery it is impossible to differentiate whether it is because of a true (C)APD, or because of low cognitive functioning. First, tests of central auditory function are normed on children and adults with normal cognitive abilities. There are two primary reasons for this recommendation. It is recommended that only children and adults with normal cognitive abilities be considered candidates for (C)AP evaluations. Perhaps one the most obvious example of this is the use of neuropsychological and/or neuroeducational testing.

In addition, failure to set forth such guidelines for evaluation of children and adults for auditory processing evaluations will create a diagnostic dilemma in many instances. As a result, clinicians need to carefully select which patients are good candidates for a (C)AP evaluation. Without utilizing a strict set of criteria, clinicians may be overwhelmed with a plethora of referrals and subsequent evaluations. While it is true that clinicians should consider the central auditory function of each patient they evaluate, that does not mean that a central auditory battery is indicated for each patient. For a more in-depth discussion of this disorder, the reader is referred to the AAA guidelines and to the references provided.Īppropriate patient selection is a critical component of a (C)AP evaluation. This article will provide a basic overview of (C)APD based on evidenced-based research. Individuals practicing in the sub-specialty field of auditory processing should look to this very comprehensive guide for current evaluation and management considerations.

The most recent clinical practice guidelines were established by the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and address the diagnosis, treatment and management of children and adults with (C)APD (AAA, 2010). Over the past decade there have been numerous conferences and consensus statements from expert panels that have addressed (C)APD. This is due to the fact that there is a high possibility of auditory involvement secondary to the auditory involvement of the lesion. In particular, patients with neurological involvement with lesions within the CANS should strongly be considered for a (C)AP evaluation. The adult population is equally at risk for presenting with auditory deficits. As a result, it is important for clinicians to understand that (C)AP evaluations are not reserved solely for the pediatric population. The prevalence of (C)APD has been reported to be anywhere from 2-3% in the pediatric population (Chermak & Musiek, 1997) to nearly 70% in the older adult population (Stach, Spretnjak & Jerger, 1990). (C)APD may be secondary to lesions of the central auditory nervous system such as vestibular schwannomas, multiple sclerosis, strokes and other neurological etiologies.

It may exist alone or coexist with other disorders such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and language impairments. (Central) auditory processing disorders, as defined in the 2005 Technical Report by the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association (ASHA), are 'difficulties in the perceptual processing of information in the central auditory nervous system (CANS) and the neurobiological activity that underlies that processing and gives rise to the electrophysiological auditory potentials.' This disorder is evident in a wide variety of patient populations including both children and adults.

Capd symptoms