AUDITORY PROCESSING
"What we do with
what we hear"
Auditory Processing problems can be difficult to detect. At Learning Solutions, we specialise in assessing auditory processing.
It is well understood that many specific learning difficulties have a large auditory processing component. There are a many areas to be considered when thinking about auditory processing. The list below are just some areas that can be affected when someone has auditory processing problems.
1.
Ear infections, especially in the first 3 years - a crucial time when speech and language development occurs.
2.
Listening in background noise can be difficult.
3.
Poor attention and often seeming to 'switch off' or daydream.
4.
Easily distracted by sounds or finding certain sounds uncomfortable or even painful
5.
Reading, writing, spelling or other general challenges with literacy development.
6.
Problems with timing, beat and rhythm - may also affect movement.
7.
Tends to be disorganised and find it difficult to plan and remember sequences.
8.
Later speech and language development than may be expected.
9.
May speak with a monotone voice or not have good awareness of volume levels.
10.
Difficulty following conversations and may join in 'off topic'.
Most people with auditory processing problems have hearing within normal ranges. This may mean they are labelled as being lazy or inattentive in school. It is really important to understand that this is not about hearing but how well the brain processes and responds to the sound it hears. There are a number of elements to auditory processing which can be assessed and treated in different ways.
1.
Frequency
How high or low is the sound and can we follow changes in pitch?
2.
Volume
Can we recognise how loud or soft a sound is, including our own voice?
3.
Timing
What are the gaps between individual sounds and can we pick out rhythm and beat?
4.
Space
Do I know which direction sound is coming from?
Individual areas of auditory processing can be assessed and improved to make a real difference in daily life. This can affect areas as diverse as sleep patterns, stress and listening skills. Improving timing or temporal processing skills can affect the fluidity of movement in the body leading to improvements in writing as well as sports.
Anyone can improve their auditory processing so our programmes are often completed by everyone in the family.
Take a free 7 day trial of The Listening Program online
