Perceptual disturbance

Auditory processing and perceptual impairments are hearing impairments with normal ear function, i.e. refers to the processes that take place along the path from the ear to the brain and directly in the brain.

Previously, the term "partial incapacity" was used.

Causes

Causes and risk factors for impaired auditory processing and perception are not fully understood. It is assumed that the cause may be a lack of oxygen during childbirth or the existence of prolonged hearing loss due to persistent middle ear effusions. In many children with auditory processing and perception disorders, the causes of this problem are not clearly established.

Prevention

Benevolent influence and stimulation of the development of the child through the established dialogue with him is a good condition for positive auditory development, but is not a protection against the occurrence of processing and perception disorders. Regular hearing tests are especially helpful for children going to school. When establishing a speech disorder, it is necessary to conduct an examination aimed at identifying the ability / inability of auditory processing and perception.

Symptoms

Violation of auditory processing and perception, as a rule, becomes noticeable only at preschool age, sometimes later. In children, this disorder manifests itself as poor listening comprehension in the presence of various noises, as poor understanding of small tasks or frequent substitution, confusion of sounds. Hypersensitivity to loud sounds can also be considered as a symptom of a disorder.

As a rule, hearing problems are accidentally noticed only in kindergarten by a teacher, as the requirements for a hearing aid in a noisy group of children increase. Auditory processing and comprehension disorders can also be found in school, as the ability to hear is directly related to reading and writing.

Diagnostics

The diagnosis covers several hearing aid tests that are played in a playful way, however, the ability to concentrate in this case is necessary. The examination is carried out in several stages, in addition, they also include a test of speech development.

Treatment

Auditory processing and perceptual impairments are usually treated with exercises that are tailored to the type and extent of the impairment. Pedagogical measures aimed at eliminating the violation can be carried out as an accompaniment in case of problems at school. They are coordinated by special hearing centres, such as the "Hören" of the respective district.