Let’s Talk About Auditory Processing
Our hearing system involves finely tuned pathways that develop rapidly through childhood. Over time our brain becomes increasingly skilled at processing the sound our ears detect. This includes mastering the timing, pitch, and location of sound, as well as coordinating input from both ears. Our brain learns to decipher speech, translating it into meaningful information for us to understand and respond to. It hones in on what’s important, filtering out distractions and focusing on what matters most.
As children grow, their auditory processing skills mature, enabling them to succeed in communication, literacy, and learning, even in bustling classroom environments. However, sometimes the hearing part of our brain doesn’t function correctly. This can happen at any stage of life and with any level of IQ or learning ability, and is often referred to as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), or sometimes Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD). Here in New Zealand, APD is the commonly used term.
We understand APD and how it can affect your quality of life and ability to learn.
Why Treat APD?
Our brains are incredible, they can learn and adapt throughout our lives even when it comes to hearing. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help improve auditory processing abilities and make life easier.
The impact of APD can be huge. For adults, APD often means struggling in noisy environments, listening fatigue and difficulty communicating despite passing a hearing test or using hearing aids. For children, APD can throw hurdles in the way of their speech, language development and classroom learning. Research tells us that childhood ear issues like glue ear can also lead to APD, especially a subtype called Spatial Processing Disorder (SPD).
Good hearing isn’t just about what we hear, it’s also linked to our overall well-being. Problems with hearing and processing sound can influence attention, social communication skills, and can heighten anxiety levels. Good hearing has a protective effect on a person’s overall well-being.
How We Can Help You
More than an Audiogram
We dive deeper than a standard audiogram to better understand how the brain processes sound. Our goal is to uncover the root causes of any listening challenges that children and adults may face and to find solutions that improve their ability to understand speech, even in challenging situations.
Sound Sensitivity and Autism
For individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), auditory challenges are all too common. By identifying and addressing these issues, we aim to enhance learning and social communication skills, contributing to the overall well-being of both children and adults.
Brain Injury and Concussion
Unlock Learning Potential
We understand that auditory processing issues can sometimes hold children back in school, affecting their academic success. These issues often coincide with specific learning disorders like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. By identifying and addressing these auditory hurdles early on, we pave the way for smoother learning experiences, especially crucial during those formative years.
Listening with Focus
We don’t just test for APD; we help build stronger auditory systems.
Interventions That Make a Difference
Tailored Auditory Training
Classroom Support
Working closely with an education advisor will help to make sure children and their teachers are well supported, so they can achieve the best outcome possible with the training techniques and hearing equipment prescribed to them.
Effective Amplification Solutions
Targeted Literacy and Language Therapy
Why Choose Us?
Auditory processing is our speciality, it’s what we focus on every day. We don’t just look for problems; we help identify and understand the cause of your concerns, and then provide clear pathways for intervention and rehabilitation.
With over two decades of clinic experience along with the use of up-to-date tests and equipment, we accurately assess auditory processing abilities across all ages. We regularly collaborate with other professionals to provide successful outcomes with a child-centred approach.
Our clinic is designed with comfort in mind, welcoming families to participate in the process. We aim to understand deficits within the auditory system while focusing on strengths and holistic well-being. At APD Specialists, everyone is valued, respected, and supported. We’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible and will adapt to suit your needs. Our telehealth services ensure accessibility for all, even those living outside of Auckland.
Our treatments improve auditory processing, learning and quality of life.
Who We Are
Joanna Wallace
BSC, M. Aud. (Hon), MNZAS, CCC.
Audiologist (APD Specialist)
Joanna Wallace is an experienced audiologist, specialising in paediatric and adult hearing care. Joanna’s passion lies in helping both children and adults overcome auditory processing challenges, complex hearing issues, and otoneurological conditions. Joanna’s career has spanned over two decades and included roles such as charge audiologist at CMDHB and Council Member for the National Foundation of the Deaf. Her experience as a leading APD specialist led to her current part-time role as Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland.
Joanna’s passion for helping children extends beyond her regular work to include, Listen Launchpad. Established in 2021 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Listen Launchpad aims to bring auditory processing services to underserved schools, ensuring every child gets the support they need to thrive.
Exceptional Care and Communication
Funding and Support
From ACC to insurance providers including Southern Cross and MAS, we’re committed to ensuring access to the support you need. For some children with significant learning needs, remote microphone systems may be covered through Ministry of Education Assistive Technology funding.
Check out the following links for more information on APD:
New Zealand guidelines on APD for PARENTS, EDUCATION PROVIDERS, and MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
Ministry of Education INFORMATION PAGE on what support is available for APD
HEAR4FAMILIES NZ support group
Start Your Journey to Better Hearing Today!
At APD Specialists we don’t just treat APD—we empower individuals and families to thrive.
We’d love to hear from you.
For all enquiries, please send us an email using the form below.
Contact
Clinic Hours
Monday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location
The Hearing House
251 Campbell Road, Greenlane, Auckland 1061
Patient parking available off William Ave