Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) is caused by a malfunction or developmental delay in the areas of the auditory system that process and analyze auditory information. This can lead to problems processing, decoding, organizing, analyzing and memorizing auditory information.
Some Signs of CAPD include:
- Exaggerated difficulty hearing in noise.
- Issues following oral instructions.
- Poorer than expected performance in school.
- Easily distractible.
- Signs of a hearing loss even though hearing is normal.
- Behavioural problems in school.
If the child presents with any of these signs, a Central Auditory Processing (CAP) Test may be beneficial. The purpose of the CAP test is to help determine the auditory processing difficulties that the child may be experiencing and to recommend appropriate remediation.
CAP testing can be performed at The Children’s Centre of Chatham–Kent for any child aged 7 and over. A referral for testing from the child’s school is required. Caregivers are encouraged to contact their child’s school to obtain this referral, if appropriate.
CAP testing can also be performed on those aged 18 and over, however, a fee will apply.