Auditory Processing

Auditory processing is defined as the brain’s ability to create meaning from what is heard. Therefore, sounds are “processed” so that meaning and understanding result. With auditory processing disorders, there is a breakdown between hearing and understanding. This disorder often occurs in the absence of true hearing problems. Children who have difficulty processing auditory information may:

  • Have problems understanding language

  • Have difficulty distinguishing one sound from another

  • Have poor or subaverage listening skills

  • Be unable to repeat or remember what is heard

  • Have difficulty focusing on what is said

  • Be easily distracted

  • Have increased difficulty when there is background noise or competing signals

  • Have behavior problems

  • Have decreased academic performance in reading, comprehension, and spelling

Tips to Help Improve Processing for the Child with Auditory Processing Difficulties (Classroom)

  1. Provide prefential seating so that the child is near the place from which the teacher instructs.

  2. Establish a clear understanding so that they know it is okay to let you know when they have not understood. Sometimes, a special hand signal may be used for the child to let you know that they did not understand.

  3. Be sure to speak at a normal rate of speech and speak distinctly. Speakers who talk too fast or collapse speech sounds make listening more difficult for the child with auditory processing difficulty.

  4. Speak to children face-to-face, when possible.

  5. Stay within a few feet from the child for verbal instruction.

  6. Be sure the child is attending before you start speaking.

  7. Minimize activities where the classroom is noisy. (Even children who process auditory information normally may have difficulty in such an environment!)

  8. Be prepared to restate and rephrase information that the child misses.

  9. Encourage the child to use free time playing games or doing activities which foster good listening skills.

  10. Reinforce positive listening behaviors.

If you suspect that a student has a listening disorder... It is important to gather information in order to develop an intervention plan. The form listed below can be printed for teachers to complete. The audiologist can help you develop an intervention plan.