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Central Auditory Processing (CAP) Test Procedure
Auditory Processing
Central Auditory Processing is the brains ability to recognize and interpret sounds. Some children have difficulty with the interpretation of sounds which can significantly impact their progress in school. Children who struggle with processing are often mistaken for having a hearing issue or learning disability, when in fact they often have normal hearing and intelligence but have difficulty understanding what they hear. The information is coming in, but the brain does not know how to process is in a typical way; often struggling to sort out, organize, and process information.
CAP Test Procedure
At East Coast Audiology and Physical Therapy, we offer comprehensive Central Auditory Processing (CAP) testing to evaluate how effectively the brain processes the sounds heard by the ears. This test is crucial for individuals who may have difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments, despite having normal hearing. Here is an overview of the CAP test procedure:
Here is an Overview of the CAP Test Procedure
1. Pre-Test Preparation
The CAP test begins with a thorough preparation phase to ensure accurate results.
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Patient History and Symptoms: Our audiologist will conduct an in-depth interview to understand your hearing history, any difficulties you are experiencing, and any relevant medical background.
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Hearing Evaluation: A standard hearing test is conducted to confirm that your hearing ability is within normal limits. This step ensures that any issues identified are due to central auditory processing rather than peripheral hearing loss.
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2. Sound Booth Testing
Testing is conducted in a soundproof booth to eliminate any external noise that could interfere with the results.
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Quiet Environment: You will sit comfortably in a soundproof booth, which creates an ideal testing environment.
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Headphones: You will wear headphones that allow us to deliver sounds to each ear separately.
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3. Listening Tasks
The CAP test involves a series of specialized listening tasks designed to assess different aspects of auditory processing.
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Speech-in-Noise Test: You will listen to speech signals presented with background noise and will be asked to repeat the words or sentences you hear. This task evaluates your ability to understand speech in challenging listening environments.
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Dichotic Listening Test: Different words or sentences will be presented to each ear simultaneously, and you will be asked to repeat what you hear. This task assesses how well your brain can process different auditory inputs simultaneously.
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Temporal Processing Test: You will be presented with sounds in quick succession and asked to identify patterns or gaps. This task measures your ability to process the timing aspects of sounds.
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4. Scoring and Analysis
Your responses during the listening tasks will be recorded and analyzed.
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Responses Recorded: Each response is carefully documented to ensure a comprehensive analysis.
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Comparison to Norms: Your results will be compared to age-appropriate norms to identify any deviations that may indicate central auditory processing deficits.
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5. Post-Test Consultation
After the test, our audiologist will discuss the results with you.
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Results Discussion: We will explain your test results in detail, helping you understand your auditory processing abilities.
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Recommendations: Based on your results, we will provide recommendations for treatment or strategies to improve your auditory processing skills. This may include auditory training exercises, strategies for improving listening skills, or further medical evaluation if necessary.
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Symptoms of Auditory Processing
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Trouble paying attention to and remembering information presented orally.
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Problems carrying out multi-step directions
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Poor listening skills
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More time to process information
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Low academic performance
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Behavior problems, easily frustrated, and impulsive
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Sensitivity to loud sounds
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Appears confused in noisy places
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Short attention span
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Asks for repetition (says "what" often)
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Lacks self confidence and motivation
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Difficulty reading, comprehension, spelling, and vocabulary
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Language difficulty ​​
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​Confuse syllables sequences and have problems developing vocabulary and understanding language. ​
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OUR TEAM
CAP Testing
When it comes to your health, you deserve only the best care possible. That's why our team at East Coast Audiology & Physical Therapy is made up of highly trained and compassionate individuals who are dedicated to improving your overall well-being.
