Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

“It was such a relief to finally understand my hearing problem—and to have real experts help me solve it.”

One of the most essential roles of an audiologist is evaluating how well the brain processes sound. At first glance, someone with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) may appear to have a hearing loss. In reality, they hear just fine—but their brain struggles to make sense of what it hears.

APD is often described as a listening problem, not a hearing problem. The ears receive sound, but the brain misinterprets or delays the information, leading to challenges in understanding speech, especially in noisy environments.

man and grandchild watching movie in busy theater

We Offer CAP Testing & Educational Audiology Support for Schools

At Island Better Hearing, we specialize in Central Auditory Processing (CAP) testing for both children and adults. We also provide Educational Audiology services, working closely with schools to support students who face auditory challenges in the classroom. Our collaborative approach helps educators and parents better understand and accommodate APD, so every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Common Signs of APD

If you or your child experiences APD, you may notice:

  • Difficulty following verbal directions (simple or complex)
  • Appearing to have hearing loss despite normal hearing test results
  • Trouble focusing or filtering out background noise
  • Frequently asking for repetition or clarification
  • Poor spelling, reading, or language comprehension
  • Seeming confused or overwhelmed by verbal instructions
  • Sensitivity to loud or sudden sounds

Diagnosing APD

Our audiologists use a comprehensive battery of tests to assess how the brain processes sound. These may include evaluations of: 

  • Peripheral auditory system
  • Binaural integration & separation
  • Temporal patterning
  • Auditory closure
  • Auditory figure-ground discrimination
  • Binaural interaction
  • Language processing

In some instances, particularly with school-age children,

We may also recommend an assessment with speech-language pathologists or educational psychologists for further assessments, especially for school-age children.

Treating APD

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for APD. Our individualized treatment plans aim to:

  • Strengthen how the brain interprets auditory information
  • Build compensatory listening and communication strategies
  • Support learning in both home and school environments

Treatment options may include:

  • Formal and informal auditory training
  • Computer-based programs (e.g., Fast ForWord, Earobics)
  • Environmental modifications and acoustic support
  • FM/DM systems to improve classroom listening
  • Language processing therapy
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Educational support and accommodations

Ready to Hear—and Understand—Clearly?

APD testing is a painless and informative process that can unlock the path to clearer communication and stronger learning. Whether for yourself or your child, our expert audiologists can help you better navigate sound, speech, and language—at work, at home, and in school. 

Call Island Better Hearing today to schedule CAP testing or learn more about our Educational Audiology support for schools.