Listening difficulties in adults can occur even when hearing sensitivity is normal in each ear. Many adults
have had their hearing tested because they've noticed that they don't understand speech well, especially in the presence
of some background noise. At the conclusion of the hearing test, they can be frustrated to learn that their "hearing
is fine" - at least according to the audiogram.
It is at this point that a Central Auditory Processing
(CAP) evaluation may be warranted. Unlike a standard hearing test, which is necessary to verify normal peripheral hearing
sensitivity, CAP testing taxes the auditory system by using tests with complex stimuli. Undergoing this testing can
be described as challenging and tiring, and the results may indicate that all is not normal with the auditory system.
Candidates for this testing should have normal
or near-normal hearing sensitivity in each ear*, and include adults who have had long-standing auditory complaints. However,
it is not at all unusual for some of these individuals to have had listening difficulties after having recently
experienced some type of head trauma or whiplash. A detailed neurologic history will be obtained prior to the CAP testing. *
Should hearing loss exist in each ear, some testing may still be possible (depending on the loss).
Treatment is available for adults with CAPD. Sometimes, this can take the form of a hearing aid(s) or Assistive
Listening Device (ALD). Therapy recommendations can include Listening And Communication Enhancement (LACE) training
(availble through this practice), as well as listening tasks performed in the sound-booth, and at home.
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