The UWSHC has a team of specialists and graduate student clinicians who work together to diagnose and treat central auditory processing disorders (CAPD). Our CAPD program uses a team approach because that is the recommended, most effective approach to diagnosis and treatment.
Children and adults with CAPD have difficulty responding to and understanding speech in a number of situations. They can hear sounds, but have a hard time understanding what the sound means. CAPD is thought to be a problem with how the brain interprets sound, not how ears hear sound, even if hearing is normal.
Before the first visit, patients interested in a CAPD evaluation receive a case history form to complete and mail back to the clinic. Upcoming patients also are asked to send any results from other evaluations and school information. Once the clinic has received your paperwork, it is reviewed to determine whether an evaluation is appropriate. Criteria for testing include; age of 7 years or older, normal to near-normal hearing, and normal to near normal cognition. UWSHC staff will contact patients to schedule the evaluation appointment. The evaluation includes audiology and speech and language assessments on the same day.
Following the appointment, the UWSHC CAPD team meets to discuss results and make recommendations. After the team has met, patients receive a personalized report by mail.