Tag: CAPD

Auditory Processing Disorder in Kenya & Africa

Auditory Processing Disorder in Kenya/Africa

Auditory processing disorder (APD) – also known as the central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) – is a hearing complication, which normally affects school-aged children such that they cannot process sounds they hear in the same way as normal kids of their age do. It manifests itself in three ways namely: sound discrimination, language processing and auditory memory complications.

In the first instance, the affected child cannot pronounce words clearly using its specific sounds. Auditory memory complications interfere with the kid’s ability to memorise facts and numbers especially if the former case involves complex verbal instructions. Language processing presents the toughest challenge to children with APD because they cannot understand the questions asked of them as well as socialise with their friends.

APD in Kenya

Awareness levels about APD as well as other learning disabilities have increased among health professionals as well as the public in developed countries. Sadly, the same cannot be said of the developing countries – especially Africa and more specifically, Kenya – where there has been limited research on learning disabilities, including APD. In Kenya, most of the research has focused on reading difficulties experienced by school-going children without being cognisant of the fact that learning disabilities is a complex area.

A study by Grace Kwamboka in 2004 perhaps underlines the extent of learning disabilities – including CAPD – in Kenya. The research, conducted in Starehe division of the defunct Nairobi Province, identifies auditory processing disorder as one of the main learning disabilities facing children in various schools in the area including; Pumwani, Parklands, St. Bridgits, Catholic Parochial as well as River Bank primary schools. Interviews with teachers and headteachers in these schools revealed problems, such as, slow acquisition of skills required for children of their age, memory retention problems and difficulty in arithmetic calculation – symptoms which are all reflective of APD.

Treatment of APD

The good news is that children with APD can undergo treatment to enable them lead normal and fulfilling lives. Adoptive Families, an online forum for parents interested in adoption, advises that this can be achieved in the classroom or home setting. This includes speaking slowly and clearly to the affected kid to help him understand what is being said. At school, acoustics in the classroom can be improved for their benefit by closing a window or addition of a rug to drown out background sounds that may distract the kid’s focus on what the teacher is saying.

Professional means of treating APD are also available including the use of sequencing routines to help the child improve his listening skills by repeating a series of directions and numbers. A professional will also help the affected kid differentiate sounds even in environments with loud background noise.

Parenting Tips for a Child with Central Auditory Processing Disorder

Central auditory processing disorder can be a huge struggle for kids especially during their growth and development. The reason behind is this that it affects the way the brain processes auditory information. Hearing is one of the main concerns for parents as well as with their child as it can be quite hard to effectively convey your message to them in an effective manner. It is important for parents to quickly assess if they child is showing early signs and symptoms of central auditory processing disorder. This is to ensure the right amount of treatment and care is given to their child.

CAPD affects 5% of school-aged children making it quite a one of a kind and it can be quite hard for parents to find the necessary treatment and care. Providing them with right background and setting is also important to ensure their learning is not hindered. Fortunately, you can find several topics revolving around central auditory processing disorder over the internet as well as individuals who share the same sentiments and cause over this problem. Listed below are some parenting tips for a child with central auditory processing disorder to give you a firm overview on how to handle this condition.

1. Use simple sentences emphasizing key words.

As mentioned earlier, CAPD affects one’s auditory information. It is important for parents to use simple sentences to avoid confusing to your child. Emphasizing key words is also ideal as this is what they will oftentimes remember instead of the whole conversation.

2. Slow your speech and, where appropriate, increase the volume slightly.

It is important for parents to be considerate when talking to a child that is affected by CAPD. If you are a fast talker, slowing your speech is important to help your child catch up. Increasing the volume slightly without the need to shout is also advised.

3. Only give him one or two directions at a time and where feasible ask him to repeat them back to you.

Again, since the CAPD, affects the way the brain processes auditory information, giving your child a lot of instructions may often end up to confusion. Give him one or two directions or an alternative method is to make use of a pen and paper and write these up for them to bring.

4. Where possible reduce the background noise – using sound-absorbent partitions, felt on chair feet etc.

Children with CAPD are quite sensitive to background noises adding an extra burden on receiving auditory information.

5. Provide him with a quiet place in which he can do homework.

As mentioned above, a quiet and calm environment is greatly appreciated as it helps promote learning.

6. Encourage good eating and sleeping habits.

Good eating and sleeping habits reduces the occurrence and development of stress as well as helps kids feel relaxed

These are a few of the many parenting tips for a child with central auditory processing disorder and you can definitely look up additional information over the internet today.

Auditory Processing Disorder in the Philippines

Auditory processing disorder is a condition that many young individuals continue to suffer.  When one has this condition, there is usually a malfunction in the central nervous system, particularly in the use of auditory information.  The condition affects so many people across the globe.  In fact, there are also quite a number of cases in the Philippines.  While the condition may not be as serious when compared to other diseases, it could naturally lead to certain disabilities.  It is for this reason why treatment should also be performed.  Fortunately, the methods of treatment have become safer and non-invasive.  It could also be found in the Philippines.

For parents who may have the suspicion that their children have auditory processing disorder, it may be necessary to learn about the signs or symptoms.  Among these is the tendency to speak louder than what is necessary.  Aside from this, a child may be unable to differentiate sounds, especially if these are nearly similar.  Of course, the child may also show signs of incapability to comprehend verbal instructions.  In general, the child has a poor comprehension on anything that is communicated on an oral manner.  Apparently, if no treatment procedure is introduced, he or she would find it hard to communicate with others.

Due to the fact that auditory processing disorder cases in the Philippines do exist, there have been a number of facilities established to facilitate the treatment of those who are affected by it. Of course, it is not just the facilities that matter but also the kind of treatment procedure involved.  There is no doubt that among the most effective of the treatment procedures is the Tomatis method. It is through this method that any child with auditory processing disorder would experience an improvement in the shortest time.  What makes it even better is that the method is considered to be very safe.

Auditory processing disorder treated through the Tomatis method is non-invasive. This means that the child would not need to go through any surgery. Aside from this, the method also does not require the use of drugs. These characteristics definitely make the Tomatis method the favored option of parents for solving auditory processing disorder. It is basically a learning process, which means that the child would simply be taught how to respond to situations despite his or her condition.  As a result, the habit of adapting and responding to given situations are developed.

Aside from the learning part, the Tomatis method may also use electronic devices for the same purpose of treatment. An electronic ear may be involved but the essential part is that this should only aid the child in the learning process.  The Tomatis method is not a new solution.  In fact, it has been practiced in many countries all over the world.  Since it was introduced in the Philippines, a lot of young individuals have also benefitted by it.  For those in the Philippines who are suffering from auditory processing disorder, the treatment is no longer beyond reach.

Technologies that can Help Children with CAPD

Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), also known as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a complex hearing problem affecting about 5% of school-aged children. Children have normal ability to hear sounds, but have difficulty understanding what the sounds mean. Children can’t process the information they hear in the same way as others because their ears and brain don’t fully coordinate. If CAPD is not identified and managed early most of these kids will have speech and language delays and academic problems.

Central Auditory Processing Disorder treatment should be individualized; there is no cure-all method of treating CAPD. But several technologies are available to help children with CAPD. It is best to get specific recommendation first from an audiologist before trying it at home. These technologies are designed to help children become better listeners and readers, learn faster, improve memory and become better thinkers.

Technologies that can Help Children with CAPD:
– Assistive Listening Device (ALD) is any device or product, including hearing aids, which improves or “assists” hearing. It is typically used for specific listening environments like theaters, at church, in conference rooms during meetings, in schools or with televisions and radios.

– Specialist assistive technology – personal frequency modulation listening devices allows wearer to hear one voice via microphone directly into their ear through a FM receiver. This is sometimes called remote microphone.

– Possible Extrinsic AT Software are voice output, web browser, and text editor programs intended to help individuals with learning disabilities to read, write, study, and comprehend text more effectively.

– Personal Listening Systems (Auditory Trainers) usually consist of Frequency Modulated Systems have the ability to increase the volume of a particular sound source and deliver it directly to an individual without increasing the amount of background noise.

– Digital Voice Recorder can be used for recording class lessons and verbal instructions. It is less expensive compared to software and other devices.

– Direct Audio Input is an Assistive Listening Device that is compatible with a hearing aid. An induction loop is usually worn around the neck that allows for hook-up to a TV, radio/stereo, microphone, CD player, FM system or other assistive device.

– Activity Table designed for younger children. It is good for auditory stimulation combined with visual cues treating auditory limitation by using its functional visual capabilities.

– Electromagnetic Induction Loop is used for amplification it is a special cable typically wired around public places. These cables emit electromagnetic signal to the person’s ear either by wearing headphones or hearing aid.

– FastForWord is a computer based program with games that teaches processing of speech sounds and works on short term auditory memory and auditory sequencing.

– TV Listening Systems one popular version of this type of ALD is called TV Ears. It is designed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the television (or radio/stereo) over other environmental or background noise.

– SAMONAS Sound Therapy and The Listening Program (TLP) – specially produced music that is available on CDs effective tool in stimulating the brain’s processing regions and engineered to have a calming effect on the body.

– Telephone Assistive Devices phones that have specially-designed receiver that amplifies sound. It has a built-in telecoil and picks up the telephone signal without causing feedback (whistling) or interference from background noise.

– Infrared Systems uses light waves instead of radio waves. The receiver usually a headset turns the signal into sound. Infrared Systems are commonly used in personal listening devices, and can also be used in large areas such as meeting halls, theatres and churches.

Hearing technology holds great promise for helping children with CAPD. It is not an over-the-counter commodity; avoid internet and mail-order purchase. The government requires that children be seen by an Ear-Nose-Throat (ENT) physician for medical clearance, then by an audiologist, not just a hearing technology dealer. Consult a physician then an experienced audiologist before making a purchase.