Central Auditory Processing Disorder

The struggle to communicate can cause feelings of frustration, insecurity, defiance and sometimes aggression. Auditory processing difficulties may be misdiagnosed as attention deficit disorder. Adults may be diagnosed with central auditory processing disorder following traumatic brain injury or stroke.

Duke audiologists work closely with speech pathologists to fully evaluate your ability to process auditory information. This combined approach is crucial to identifying the cluster of problems that may lead to auditory processing disorder. The information gleaned through this comprehensive process enables our speech pathologists and audiologists to develop an individualized treatment plan that meets your needs.

Detection of central auditory processing disorder is important. Left untreated, it can result in speech and language delays, academic problems, challenges in the workplace, and social and interpersonal problems. Making the diagnosis requires testing of auditory processing and communication difficulties. The tests performed are based on age, the presence of specific auditory difficulties, language or developmental delays, and cognitive abilities.

Hearing Tests

Rule out hearing problems related to damage to the ear or nerves.

Auditory Processing Tests

Measure difficulty hearing in background noise and with rapid speech, dichotic listening (which refers to selective attention), and temporal processing.

Speech Tests

Evaluate expressive and receptive language skills including auditory memory and phonological processing.

If a diagnosis of central auditory processing disorder is made, we work closely with you to create a treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Classroom/Workplace/Home Modification

We work with teachers to identify obstacles in the classroom, and offer strategies to overcome them. We offer the same expert advice and counsel at home and in the workplace for adults.

Speech/Language Therapy

Our goal is to enhance you or your child’s ability to communicate clearly through speech and written language. The goal of speech therapy is to improve language difficulties, problem-solving abilities, memory, attention and other cognitive skills.

Auditory Training

We provide information on software-based auditory training programs designed to improve you or your child's ability to understand sounds and improve communication.

Personalized Listening Systems

Devices, such as a personal FM system, can be used in the classroom to address specific auditory deficits, when appropriate.