Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
APD is defined as a deficit in the processing of auditory input. APD is not a hearing problem, but more of a problem with the "wiring" that carries the message between the ears and the brain.
APD can be present at any age, however it is usually first noticed in school age children (ages 7 and older) as a result of concerns in the classroom. It can also be acquired after an event such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS
APD EVALUATION
A complete evaluation of hearing and auditory processing by an audiologist is required to diagnose APD. It is also necessary to collaborate with other professionals including speech language pathologists, educators, and other healthcare professionals as APD can co-exist with other disorders such as ADD, ADHD, or general learning disorders.
APD TREATMENT
A variety of treatments exist for APD depending on the specific area of deficit. An individualized treatment plan will be created by the audiologist with assistance of the appropriate team members. The report will include detailed therapy recommendations for home and school.
WHEN TO TEST FOR APD
ABOUT US
Audiology Concepts offers state of the art diagnostic equipment to evaluate hearing and auditory processing. Our office is warm and friendly so your child will be comfortable during their evaluation.
Dr. Courtney Sterk has been an audiologist in Minnesota since 2005. She is experienced in the diagnostic audiologic testing and
treatment of adults and children. Dr. Sterk is very passionate about her work and you will be sure to feel her enthusiasm.
APD can be present at any age, however it is usually first noticed in school age children (ages 7 and older) as a result of concerns in the classroom. It can also be acquired after an event such as a stroke or traumatic brain injury.
COMMON CHARACTERISTICS
- Difficulty understanding in noisy situations
- Difficulty following verbal or multi-step directions
- Difficulty with reading and/or spelling
- Difficulty remembering spoken information
- Difficulty with organizational skills
- Difficulty in directing, sustaining, or dividing attention
- Easily distracted by other sounds in the surrounding environment
APD EVALUATION
A complete evaluation of hearing and auditory processing by an audiologist is required to diagnose APD. It is also necessary to collaborate with other professionals including speech language pathologists, educators, and other healthcare professionals as APD can co-exist with other disorders such as ADD, ADHD, or general learning disorders.
APD TREATMENT
A variety of treatments exist for APD depending on the specific area of deficit. An individualized treatment plan will be created by the audiologist with assistance of the appropriate team members. The report will include detailed therapy recommendations for home and school.
WHEN TO TEST FOR APD
- Parents have concerns about child’s behavior at home and in social settings.
- Teachers and parents have concerns about child's performance in school.
- The child exhibits some of the characteristics of APD (see Common Characteristics of APD above).
- The child is at least 7 years old.
- The child has normal hearing.
- The child has normal cognitive function.
ABOUT US
Audiology Concepts offers state of the art diagnostic equipment to evaluate hearing and auditory processing. Our office is warm and friendly so your child will be comfortable during their evaluation.
Dr. Courtney Sterk has been an audiologist in Minnesota since 2005. She is experienced in the diagnostic audiologic testing and
treatment of adults and children. Dr. Sterk is very passionate about her work and you will be sure to feel her enthusiasm.
