Auditory processing is an important skill that involves taking in, understanding, storing, and responding to auditory information. This article will explore what auditory processing is, the signs and symptoms that may indicate an auditory processing disorder, and the different methods of treatment, management, and prevention available. It is important to be able to recognize and understand auditory processing issues in order to properly treat and manage them.
Auditory Processing is an umbrella term for the way the brain recognizes and interprets sound. This includes hearing, understanding, and organizing information from any sound the person experiences. It is a type of auditory perceptual processing that is essential for learning language and engaging with others in social situations.
Auditory Processing involves 2 areas of the auditory pathway–perception and cognition. Perception happens when we hear a sound and register what it is. Cognition occurs when we interpret the sound and understand its meaning. Auditory Processing is critical to making sense of the world around us. Without it, we would be unable to make sense of a conversation or be able to recall the information we hear.
Auditory Processing is also used to filter out unnecessary noises in our environment and pay attention to those sounds that are important. This helps us to process information quickly, which is vital to perform tasks efficiently and stay on task. Additionally, it helps us to understand instructions while learning new tasks. Without this ability to process sound, it would be difficult to read, do math, or communicate effectively.
Common signs and symptoms of auditory processing issues can include difficulty following directions, difficulty understanding conversation when there is background noise present, difficulty recognizing subtle differences in sound, difficulty remembering the content of spoken information, difficulty with phonological awareness, or difficulty with verbal memory. In addition to having difficulty with auditory information, individuals with auditory processing issues may also have difficulty comprehending and expressing spoken language, reading comprehension, and math calculation. Sometimes, auditory processing issues can be accompanied by behavioral problems, such as poor impulse control, poor social skills, distractibility, hyperactivity, or difficulty paying attention. Furthermore, people with auditory processing issues may also find it difficult to focus on and complete tasks, particularly in a noisy environment. If a child or adult has difficulty with these tasks, they should consider seeing a professional to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment, management, and prevention of auditory processing problems can be a difficult process. It typically involves a multi-disciplinary approach, including medical, educational, and/or psychological services. At its core, treatment must focus on teaching the individual ways to improve their auditory processing ability. This can include strategies for improving listening skills, utilizing auditory technology and assistive devices, and improving both the auditory input and output pathways.
Management may include accommodations for the individual in learning, home, and social environments. These can range from strategies to reduce background noise and create a more soundproof environment to reorganizing the workspace for improved concentration.
Prevention of auditory processing problems is best addressed through early identification of risk factors and providing appropriate interventions. Through regular auditory testing, these issues can be identified in infancy or early childhood and appropriate measures taken before they become more serious. Auditory training, using digital audio or adaptive technologies, can help to condition the auditory system and provide compensatory strategies. Additionally, implementing preventative practices such as consistent exposure to language and providing meaningful feedback can help promote better auditory processing.