Auditory processing refers to how the central nervous system receives, interprets and responds to auditory input. It is literally "What we do with what we hear". Individuals with an Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) have difficulty with managing this input and interpreting their auditory world.
The Audiologists at West Coast Auditory Processing Center have years of experience in this area of Audiology and use a battery of tests that are designed to challenge the auditory system. These age normed tests require listeners to respond to words, sentences, numbers and tones. The distinct pattern these tests present allows us to suggest specific recommendations and accommodations . When testing is completed you will be counseled regarding the results and the report will be emailed to you through a secure link. You will also receive handouts for home and school and we will be available for consultation at any time.
Therapy for Auditory Processing Disorders
The Buffalo Model of Auditory Therapy: Simple and Effective
The Buffalo Model by Jack Katz, renowned expert in auditory processing treatment, recommends a two-part program:
Round 1: 12 sessions, once a week, 45 to 50 minutes each that can be completed either in our office or via Zoom. After round one a re-test is completed in order to assess progress and to determine if a second round of therapy is recommended.
Vacation: If testing supports that a second round of therapy is warranted, there is a 12 week break in order to allow the brain to generalize, generate, and change. Sometimes a home program will be recommended.
Round 2: 8 sessions, 45-50 minutes each. These may be completed every other week.
Therapy Interventions for the Decoding Profile
Therapy Interventions for the Tolerance Fading Memory Profile
In addition to the Simple and Effective program we use the following programs:
Feather Squadron is an iPad app that thoroughly and accurately measures auditory processing abilities by playing a series of video games. The assessments are automatically available from within the Acoustic Pioneer website. Once the diagnostic process is complete a therapy program will be recommended.
Acoustic Pioneer has two different therapy programs:
Zoo Caper Sky Scraper
Zoo Caper is a game designed to incrementally improve dichotic listening skills. It introduces dichotic concepts slowly and allows the player to improve as they play through the game. It uses animal sounds in each ear requiring the listener to correctly identify which animal is making a sound.
Insane Earplane
Insane Earplane is an easy to learn flying game designed to improve a variety of tonal listening and processing skills. It introduces different tonal activities, such as memory, pitched tones and frequency sweeps, and allows the player to improve these skills.
HearBuilder is an online software program for students PreK-5 that focuses of improving listening, auditory comprehension, and memory retrieval skills. It helps children build a strong foundation for literacy and reading.
The HearBuilder collection consists of four software titles: Following Directions, Phonological Awareness, Auditory Memory, and Sequencing.
HearBuilder gives students access to research based, interactive programs by online subscription. We often use this in therapy or students can use the software on a tablet, laptop, or desktop at home. Each program offers multi-level activities with progress monitoring reports.
Starfall is a children's website that teaches basic English reading and writing skills. The main demographic is preschoolers and kindergarteners. It teaches children how to read by using games and phonics.
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