Auditory Processing: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

Auditory Processing disorder refers to the condition where the brain is unable to process auditory information i.e. sound normally. Persons suffering from Auditory Processing Disorder are unable to identify as well as interpret sounds properly and particularly the ones pertaining to speech at that. The condition can lead to lifelong problems if not treated properly as it will impact communication, learning and social skills of the person.

auditory processing disorders is usually developmental and occur mostly in kids. However it may also occur in adults who initially had no such condition due to problems like head injury, ear infections, tumors or lesions in the central auditory nervous system, etc. The main reason behind the occurrence of this disorder is either the dysfunction or damage to the central auditory nervous system due to which it is unable to interpret the electrical impulses send by the cochlear nerve.

The disorder can be treated through speech therapies that are geared towards equipping the sufferer with skills to compensate for the inability to identify and interpret sounds or use of hearing aids. Alternatively, modifying the environment by eliminating certain sound or improving the acoustics can also help in improving the condition of the patient.

Auditory processing disorders are diagnosed through test batteries consisting of a series of auditory processing test as well as comprehensive language test. Since Auditory Processing Disorder is a problem that arises in the sensory and nervous system there are no medications or surgical treatment for it. Once the person or child is found to be suffering from ADP the treatment begins with therapies aimed at improving. Under these therapies, a lot of things are taught.

Direct or traditional therapy techniques target multiple auditory processing skills simultaneously through activities like phoneme discrimination, training to distinguish between different and similar sounds, etc. Nowadays, computer based training has been designed for the patients to improve these skills and these tests are usually registered under supervision of certified therapist.

Compensatory techniques on the other hand, are used so as to minimize influence on cognitive , language and academic abilities. Compensatory techniques make up for poor listening with active listening skills and problem solving skills like maintaining eye contact with the speaker, asking for clarifications and repetitions are taught. Therapists also use number and directions sequence repetition games to sharpen auditory memory as well as games that involve differentiating amongst sounds in various levels of noise in the environment to improve sound discrimination ability.

since the therapies include light exercise and activities related to communication and listening they do not put any strain on daily life activities. It is recommended that, therapy should be started as soon as Auditory Processing Disorders are diagnosed, especially so in case of children as their auditory network will be still evolving and these therapies provide boost to the development.

Everybody diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder is eligible for therapy treatment as they do not involve any strain on the body of any kind.

Since the treatment neither involves any medication nor any surgeries hence there are no side effects in the case of Auditory Processing Disorders.

Apart from the therapy, you should try to engage the child suffering from Auditory Processing Disorder in activities that stimulate his or her auditory attention. For example reading out stories to them or games like Simon says, musical chairs, Marco Polo, etc. will help them a lot. Encouraging them to play musical instruments will also help sharpen their listening skills. Additionally, children suffering from Auditory Processing Disorders face a lot of trouble in noisy environments. Thus they may face trouble in schools and be exasperated or irritated, depressed and low self esteem.

The therapies and treatment only equip the child with skills to combat the effects of Auditory processing disorder. Thus the timeline for recovery will depend a lot on how well and how quickly the child is able to pickup these skills and thus may vary from 2-3 weeks to years.

The therapy for Auditory Processing Disorders is done in session and each session typically costs between Rs 1,000 – 3,000

Since the therapies are focused on teaching skills to combat the effects of Auditory Processing Disorders, hence if the child can pickup these skills the effect of the therapies is permanent. In case the child is unable to do so you need to consider changing the therapies or the approach as continuing the therapies may have no effect at all.

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