auditory processing disorder (APD); central auditory processing disorder (CAPD); auditory perception problem; auditory comprehension deficit; central auditory dysfunction; central deafness; word deafness

Etiology

• in children may be associated with
  • dyslexia
  • attention deficit disorder
  • autism
  • specific language impairment
  • pervasive developmental disorder
  • developmental delay

Pathology

• hearing & intelligence is generally normal

Clinical manifestations

• trouble paying attention to & remembering information presented orally
• problems carrying out multistep directions
• poor listening skills
• increased time to process information
• low academic performance
• behavior problems
• language difficulty
  • confusing syllable sequences
  • problems developing vocabulary & understanding language
• difficulty with reading, comprehension, spelling, & vocabulary

Management

• rule out hearing disorder
  • referral to otolaryngologist
  • audiology
• speech-language pathologist
• multidisciplinary team approach
  • auditory trainers
  • environmental modifications classroom acoustics, placement, and seating may help
  • exercises to improve language-building skills
  • auditory memory enhancement
  • auditory integration training is without proven benefit

More general terms

• hearing disorder
• learning disorder (learning disability)