We perform a thorough diagnostic Auditory Processing Disorder assessment for children over 7 years of age and adults who have auditory processing difficulties. Younger children cannot be assessed because the normal variability in brain function across younger children is so marked that accurate test interpretation is not possible.

What to expect in an Auditory Processing Assessment in Children

During the assessment process, the nature and degree of the disorder are determined. This allows us to recommend a management and treatment plan to address the specific needs of each individual. 

We allow 2 hours for an auditory processing assessment, the assessment involves the following:

Case History
Our audiologist will ask you questions regarding your child's learning and hearing skills.
Please bring any reports from a Speech Pathologist, educational psychologist, behavioural optometrist or school reports along to the appointment.

Hearing Test
A hearing assessment is performed to determine the softest sounds that can be heard by your child for each frequency (pitch) important for speech understanding. This information is plotted on a graph called an audiogram. Tests to determine middle ear movement and the ear's physiological response to sound (acoustic reflex testing) will also be performed when possible. 

Auditory Memory Test
This test assesses your child's ability to recall numbers and sentence material in sequence.

Auditory Processing Tests which include:

• Dichotic Digits Test: assesses the child's ability to listen to information presented simultaneously to both ears.
• Frequency Pitch Pattern Test: assesses the child's ability to detect subtle differences in sound.
• Random Gap Detection Test: assesses the child's ability to detect two tones presented at different time intervals.
• LiSN-S Test: assesses the child's ability to hear in a noisy environment.

Report
At the conclusion of the assessment, the audiologist will explain the test results to you, discuss recommendations and answer any questions. A written report will also be supplied (at a later date) and will include recommendations for further investigations and or management/intervention as appropriate.