Auditory Processing Assessment

Central auditory processing is essentially what one does with what they hear (Katz, 1992). Assessing auditory processing requires a thorough examination of the auditory mechanism in terms of structure an function, to determine how well the individual can perform specific processing tasks that when taken together represent how well they can handle information through the listening.

This assessment is performed primarily by two specialists, the audiologist, and the speech-language pathologist. The purpose the assessment is to determine if a central auditory processing disorder is present, to describe the features of the disorder or deficit areas, and to indicate the functional effects of the presenting symptoms. The assessment will include a thorough history, a peripheral assessment, informal observations, questionnaires, observational checklists, behavioral and electrophysiologic tests, audiometric tests, and speech and language testing.

Auditory processing is a general term used to describe a number of different processing abilities, all of which are all evaluated as part of the assessment. These skills are not limited to but include: