APD, also referred to as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), is diagnosed by an audiologist who has received specialized
training in the evaluation of central auditory function. Our goals for each individual are accomplished by an accurate diagnosis
coupled with a treatment/therapy regime targeted to remediate the identified auditory processing deficits. A battery of normed tests
is essential to assess the six areas of potential processing deficits, yielding a profile that outlines auditory strengths and weaknesses.
Northwest Auditory Processing Clinic selects a test battery that best meets the individual’s specific needs, based on clinical and
professional. An evaluation at Northwest Auditory Processing Clinic will include at least one test from each of these categories:
- 1. Dichotic Tests - Dichotic tests present a different auditory stimulus to each ear simultaneously.
- 2. Monaural Low-Redundancy Speech (MLRS) Tests - MLRS tests assess auditory closure, the listener’s ability to fill in
and recognize an acoustic signal when parts of the signal are missing or by changing frequency, temporal or intensity
characteristics.
3. Temporal Processing Tests - Temporal processing tests measure the listener’s ability to recognize the order or pattern
of nonverbal auditory signals.
4. Binaural Interaction Tests - Binaural interaction tests assess “binaural fusion,” the listener’s ability to take incomplete
information presented to each ear and fuse the information into an understandable signal.
Screening for APD
There are AP screening tests; however, auditory processing disorders cannot be identified from a screening test. The purpose of a
screening is to determine if the child demonstrates age appropriate skills by passing the screening or whether results indicate the
need for a diagnostic AP evaluation.
There are several commonly utilized screening tests which may be useful in suggesting the need for APD evaluation, but should be
viewed cautiously as these tests do not address all four areas that encompass APD.
- • Screening Test for Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Children (Scan-C)
• Screening Test for Central Auditory Processing Disorders in Adolescents and Adults (SCAN-A)
• Dichotic Digits Tests (DDT)
• Selective Auditory Attention Test (SAAT)
• Pediatric Speech Intelligibility Test (PSI)
• Test of Auditory Perceptual Skills (TAPS)
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