Auditory Processing Disorder

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Duke audiologists evaluate and treat auditory processing disorder (APD) -- when, despite someone having normal hearing, a person's brain has difficulty processing auditory information. APD can affect both children and adults. It can cause problems with speech understanding, attention, learning, language, and reading. Our goal is to provide education and recommendations to strengthen listening and communication skills and to reduce the academic, social, or workplace impact of APD.

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What to Expect During Your Evaluation Appointment

During your initial evaluation appointment, we will ask you to complete questionnaires and discuss your or your child’s medical history. We’ll also test listening skills (for example, listening when there is background noise, competing information, and fast speech, as well as how you or your child processes sound over time). We’ll also test hearing function to rule out problems with ear anatomy, including the auditory nerve. Specific auditory processing tests will be chosen based on your or your child’s age and developmental level.

After testing, we’ll talk with you about the results, any auditory processing weakness we found, and treatment recommendations. Altogether, this appointment lasts about 2 hours.

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Duke Health offers locations throughout the Triangle. Find one near you.

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Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment

An audiologist will review areas of difficulties identified during testing and explain the potential impact on everyday communication in the workplace, classroom, or at home. When appropriate, we’ll coordinate your care with other specialists throughout Duke.

Speech-language pathologists will evaluate expressive and receptive language and cognitive skills, problem-solving abilities, memory, and attention. Depending on which clinic you visit, this testing may be included in your initial audiology evaluation.
Ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctors, also called otolaryngologists, may explore concerns about hearing loss, middle ear fluid, or ear anatomy.
Psychologists can address attention or hyperactivity concerns.
Specialists in reading and psychoeducation can help you and your family better understand and cope with APD.

Intervention Programs and Auditory Training

Communication and learning strategies, environmental modifications (for example, strategic seating or using an FM system to reduce background noise and listening fatigue), and auditory training tasks may be recommended for you or your child. Auditory training may include software-based programs designed to improve your or your child’s ability to understand sounds and to improve communication.

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855-855-6484

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Why Choose Duke

Team Approach
Collaborating with other professionals helps us better understand a person with auditory processing disorder as a whole. Our audiologists partner with other Duke specialists to ensure you receive thorough, compassionate care.

Recognized Experts
We keep abreast of the latest treatments to enhance our practice and your child’s care. Our audiologists attend state, national, and worldwide conferences to stay current on best practices and share their expertise. Our specialists have undergone advanced training, and many have advanced certification in specialized areas. Our combined skill and leadership mean you will work with some of the most knowledgeable and experienced audiologists and speech-language pathologists in the U.S.

Consistently Ranked Among the Nation’s Best Hospitals

Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 11 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2021–2022.

Related Treatments and Conditions

Reviewed: 04/04/2020