Let’s talk about auditory processing
Auditory processing is a term used to describe how our brain uses the incoming sounds. While most audiology clinics focus on how our ears sense sound, here we look at the whole auditory system from our ears right up to the brain.
This is especially important for children, as the hearing parts of the brain develop rapidly through childhood. Our amazing brain learns to decipher speech and translate sound into meaningful information, to filter out distractions and focus on what matters most, even when in a busy classroom.
Just like in other parts of the human body, problems can occur in the hearing pathways. Differences in auditory processing ability can occur for many reasons, such as delayed development during childhood, following frequent middle ear problems (glue ear), as part of neurological disorders, or following brain injury or concussion. Differences in auditory processing ability are often present in those with reading or spelling difficulties, dyslexia, and/or language delay. Auditory processing challenges can happen at any stage of life, 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 most commonly used term.
We understand auditory processing and how this can affect quality of life and ability to learn or work.
Why look at auditory processing skills?
Our brains are incredible at changing, and with the right treatments, auditory processing abilities will improve.
For children, auditory processing weaknesses can get in the way of social communication, speech and 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). For adults, difficulties with auditory processing often means struggling to hear in noisy environments, feeling very tired or fatigued from trying to listen, and frustration with everyday communication. These hearing problems occur despite passing a standard hearing test or audiogram.
It is important to address auditory processing difficulties because good hearing has a protective effect on well-being. Hearing and processing sound easily helps social communication and reduces stress and anxiety levels.
How we can help
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 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 very common. This may be experiencing heightened sensitivity to sounds, feeling overwhelmed in noisy place, and difficulty filtering and focusing on important sounds such as speech. By helping to understand these differences we aim to enhance learning and social communication skills, and contribute to overall well-being.
Brain Injury and Concussion
Concussion, trauma in early development, or brain injury can cause disruptions to the auditory system. In these cases it is more common for the disruption to occur in the hearing parts of the brain, than in the ear. That’s why in addition to a hearing test or audiogram, an auditory processing assessment is essential to really understand the presenting hearing problem. We work alongside ACC to assist individuals in managing auditory challenges post-injury. We are experienced in providing audiological support for those with neurological conditions that affect auditory pathways.
Unlock Learning Potential
Hearing is the gateway to learning in a busy classroom. At APD Specialists we understand that auditory processing issues can hold children back in school, affecting their academic success and self-esteem. APD often coincides with specific learning disorders including dyslexia, and can be an underlying cause of reading and spelling difficulties. By identifying and addressing auditory hurdles early on, we pave the way for smoother learning experiences, especially crucial during those formative years.
Listening with Focus
Sometimes listening difficulties are caused by more than just our ears. Listening difficulties can be due to attention problems and are often experienced by those with ADHD. When listening is hard it is important to check hearing and auditory processing skills first, but we can also help when there are other causes. Interventions are tailored to suit individual needs, whether they’re related to the auditory system, attention, language, cognition, or a combination.
We don’t just test for APD, we help build stronger auditory systems.
Interventions that make a difference
Tailored Auditory Training
Auditory training is tailored to target specific hearing deficits, such as strengthening a weaker ear when there is amblyaudia, or enhancing spatial processing skills to improve listening in the busy classroom. We offer both app-based and in-clinic options to suit individual needs.
Classroom Support
We 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. Having an audiologist readily available for your child’s teacher is a great way to make sure everyone is on-board and well supported throughout the school year.
Effective Amplification Solutions
Amplification strengthens auditory processing abilities and helps overcome listening challenges. Remote microphone systems (RMHA systems) work wonders in the classroom, benefiting students with APD, as well as those with attention deficits/ADHD, Dyslexia, and Autism/ASD. Low-gain hearing aids (LGHA’s) paired to a remote microphone are also a great option for adults and some students. Most students we see will get funding from Ministry of Health or Ministry of Education.
Targeted Literacy and Language Therapy
Literacy and language therapy can be used to target the effects of auditory processing deficits. Working with a speech language therapists, teacher or literacy tutor can help children to improve their language skills and make sense of the sounds which make up words.
Why choose us?
As an experienced and trusted audiologist Joanna receives referrals from all around the country. Her expertise is recommended by ENT’s, Paediatricians, Educational Psychologists, Speech-language Therapists, Ministry of Education RTLB and SENCo, as well as other Audiologists.
We can help with listening difficulties due to a variety of reasons, including ADHD, and those with Autism.
Our purpose is to identify and understand the cause of hearing concerns, then provide clear pathways for intervention and rehabilitation while focusing on strengths and overall well-being.
The clinic is designed with comfort in mind, welcoming whanau to participate in the process. We’re here to make your journey as smooth as possible and will adapt to suit your needs. Our telehealth services ensure accessibility for ongoing support for those living outside of Auckland.
Treatments improve auditory processing, learning and quality of life.
Your audiologist
Joanna Wallace
MAud (hon), MNZAS, CCC
Audiologist
Joanna is an experienced audiologist in both paediatric and adult hearing care who completed her Masters in Audiology at The University of Auckland. She has worked in public and private healthcare, including Charge Audiologist at Counties Manukau DHB, Council Member for the National Foundation of the Deaf, and established the visiting audiology service in Niue. Her main area of expertise include assessment and treatment of hearing and listening problems related to auditory processing disorders, Autism, ADHD, and brain injury. Her work is evidence-based and current. Joanna is also a Professional Teaching Fellow at the University of Auckland where she lectures in audiology clinical skills and APD for the Masters of Audiology program. Joanna offers clinical supervision and upskilling to audiologists.
With funding from a TSB New Zealand grant in 2021, Joanna started Listen Launchpad. In collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Listen Launchpad reduces barriers to accessing auditory processing services for children in Auckland.
Exceptional care and communication
Funding and support
Joanna is a registered member of the NZ Audiology Society, ACC provider and Ministry of Health Hearing Aid Funding Scheme and Subsidy provider.
APD Specialists is an affiliated provider for Southern Cross and NIB Health Insurance. We use Southern Cross EasyClaim.
For some children with significant learning needs, remote microphone hearing aid (RMHA) systems may be covered through Ministry of Education Assistive Technology funding. We can help you and your school to access this service. We work alongside schools to provide an affordable fitting service for Ministry funded and second-hand RMHA systems.
Schools can link in with our Listen Launchpad pathway – supported by funding from TSB New Zealand, Listen Launchpad removes barriers to accessing auditory processing services and treatments for kiwi kids.
Check out the following links for more information on APD:
Ministry of Education INFORMATION PAGE on what support is available for students with APD
Start your journey to better hearing
Hearing is important. It the gateway to learning in the classroom, connects us to others, and protects our wellbeing.
We’d love to hear from you.
Contact
027 9 227 227
Clinic Hours
Monday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Location
The Stichbury Bidwill Centre
251 Campbell Road, Greenlane, Auckland 1061
Patient parking available off William Ave