Auditory Training

Our clinic specializes in the assessment and treatment of auditory processing disorders. Treatment options are available both in-clinic and virtually.

Auditory training is designed for anyone struggling to hear. This training is for adults and children, those with hearing loss, and those with “normal” audiograms. People who benefit from this program typically have difficulty hearing in background noise or have been diagnosed with auditory processing disorder (also known as central auditory processing disorder).

Signs of Auditory Processing Disorder

Difficulty understanding speech in the presence of background noise
Difficulty with reading, spelling and reading comprehension
Difficulty remembering auditory information
Difficulty organizing sounds in a proper sequence
Problems successfully combining auditory and visual information
Problems attending to different information presented to opposite ears
A consistent delay in response to a question or instructions

Treating Auditory Processing

Most commercially available auditory training programs focus on general auditory processing skills and compensation strategies. However, our approach, which has a proven track record of success, is tailored to address the specific areas of weakness identified through APD testing. We pinpoint the individual's unique auditory processing challenges, which often correlate with specific difficulties in academic, occupational, or personal communication.

Our treatment then focuses on training the auditory nervous system to process speech sounds more accurately and efficiently, targeting the specific areas of difficulty. By working one-on-one with a professional, the individual can develop customized skills and strategies that directly address their particular auditory processing deficits.

We also use Auditory Rehabilitation for Interaural Asymmetry (ARIA) as deemed appropriate. ARIA is an evidence-based program developed by Dr. Deborah Moncrieff at the University of Memphis. It is used to treat dichotic listening deficits such as: amblyaudia, a condition where a person develops a dominant ear that suppresses sound information coming from the other ear which creates a “lazy ear.”

Auditory Training with Hearing Loss

For people with hearing loss, hearing aids will give you access to the sounds (audibility). Auditory training will focus on how your brain processes that information. The main areas of focus are identifying and telling the difference between speech sounds, listening in noise, and putting speech sounds together to make words. There are several other areas that can be worked on as auditory training is individualized for each patient.

Auditory Training with Brain Injury/Concussion

Our program has had great success in treating auditory processing difficulties in people with acquired APD, such as with brain injuries. The auditory training can also help to increase tolerance to sound.