CENTRAL AUDITORY PROCESSING DISORDER

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Do you or a loved one have trouble focusing on conversations in noisy environments? If so, there’s a chance you may be suffering from Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). CAPD is a glitch in the brain’s mechanisms where the central processing system in the brain interprets sounds incorrectly because it fails to screen out background noises. In turn, noises and words become garbled, and no matter how concentrated a person with CAPD is, the important sounds get lost in all the other noises, leading to confusion and frustration. Fortunately, our audiologists in Phoenix and Gilbert, AZ, offer cutting-edge treatments for Central Auditory Processing Disorder.

Common Signs of CAPD

A person with CAPD struggles with language processing, and this affects their ability to listen to and understand what’s being said. This can lead to difficulties in social, educational, and work environments. Common signs to look for are:

  • Difficulty localizing sounds
  • Inability to separate speech from distracting background sounds
  • Running words together, or dropping sounds from words when speaking
  • Trouble remembering information
  • Poor reading comprehension
  • Trouble understanding conversations over the phone
  • Difficulty learning a foreign language
  • Lack of ability to maintain focus

CAPD in Children

While we don’t know what causes CAPD in children, we do recognize the symptoms. It’s estimated that around 7% of children have CAPD and they have great difficulties communicating and learning both at home and at school.

Children with CAPD are often diagnosed with other learning or developmental disabilities, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). At school, they will struggle with listening, paying attention, reading, spelling, memorizing facts, and understanding and following directions. They are also easily distracted and need more time to process and understand information.

There are effective treatments available for children with CAPD, however. As children mature through adolescence, their brain remains high in plasticity, allowing for rapid development and growth in the brain. For those with CAPD, this means there’s a chance to develop normal hearing and comprehension. CAPD can be successfully treated through speech and language therapy, which will help to develop normal processing in the brain.

CAPD in Adults

CAPD can develop in adults as a result of traumatic brain injury, like a concussion, illness, exposure to different sounds, or changes in environment. For example, if a person who has always worked in quiet environments gets a job at a loud environment, such as a call center, they may acquire CAPD. Some adults can have CAPD and not even realize it, while others have noticeable difficulty understanding and remembering what’s been said, and often misinterpret situations. This leads to poor communication and can often strain relationships.

Diagnosis & Treatment

Proper diagnosis for CAPD includes a series of tests to determine speech comprehension in both quiet and noisy environments. Typical screening methods consist of a series of questions, observation of behaviors, and testing your ability to differentiate between speech and sound.

Treatment options include speech and language therapy to discriminate sounds more clearly, develop listening skills, and improve listening comprehension. Early intervention and treatment are critical to achieving the best outcome.

Watch the Video Below to Learn More About CAPD

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    I had a great experience at my first appointment yesterday. I was treated extremely well, felt very comfortable with the entire staff, left feeling confident with my treatment plan, did not feel confused about anything regarding price or billing, or insurance. I walked out with my new hearing aids and wish I wouldn’t have waited so long to get treatment. They are practically invisible, very comfortable, and super easy to use. I’m happy!
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    I had a series of tests done at ABHA which helped my doctors diagnosed what to do next for my vertigo problem. They are very professional as well as friendly and accommodating. Jordan, the Fellow, gave precise and clear instructions throughout the testing process, and afterward, explaining all the results. Dr. Susan Schmidt made sure everything was done well each step of the way. Dr. Camille Lambert’s Physical Therapy includes not only instruction, but reasons for doing that exercise, and what it will help. She’s answered my questions thoroughly and clearly. She’s been encouraging making the experience even more effective. I believe I’ve received the best care!
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    R. Chapman
  • Amanda Schneider
    To begin, Miller scheduled my husband and me for an appointment. My husband was scheduled the same day! I was scheduled within 48 hours of my initial contact. The atmosphere of the office is professional, yet relaxed. My appointment was with Jordan. She was very patient with me. She really educated me about hearing. She explained how the hearing aids help my brain. Did you know…In a study that tracked 639 adults for nearly 12 years, Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph. D, and his colleagues found that mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. Moderate loss tripled risk, and people with severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia. I could go on…the office and employees were terrific!
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    Visiting ABHA is always a pleasant experience. It is a great welcoming environment. They support you and help you make the right decision. Christine is absolutely wonderful. Knowledgeable and caring.
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  • Harry M.
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The reviews listed are from actual patients of Arizona Balance & Hearing Aids. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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