What is Auditory Processing?

The simplest definition of auditory processing is how the brain processes what we hear. The first step in processing is the ability to detect or hear the sound or words. As we process information, it is transmitted through our inner ear (cochlea), auditory nerve, brainstem and cortex to be organized into meaningful information that we use to understand conversations, directions, inflection or tone of speech.

There are many skills needed to successfully process speech. Memory, language level, cognition, attention and discrimination of speech in background noise, and vision are a few. Often, individuals with processing problems have the same symptoms as someone with hearing loss despite the fact that his/her hearing is normal.

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Auditory Processing Deficits

Processing problems may be seen at any age. Even adults with normal processing skills may find that they have more difficulty understanding speech as they grow older especially in noisy environments, if the speaker is talking fast, or if the speaker has an unfamiliar accent/speech pattern.

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Treatment

Listening strategies are devised and sometimes assistive equipment is used to help with attention and listening in background noise. Often therapy is recommended to train the weak skill(s), especially in young children. By identifying the problem areas, we hope to be part of the team that helps to put the diagnostic puzzle pieces together to form a plan that helps our patients achieve their goals whether educational, social, communication or personal.