(71) Are We There Yet? The Paradigm Shift in Evaluation and Treatment of Children with Listening Problems.

Abstract: Audiologists continue to hold conflicting viewpoints regarding the existence and nature of (Central) Auditory Processing Disorder (C)APD. However, diagnoses and treatment of (C)APD move on with little consistency among professionals (Dillon & Cameron, 2021; Wilson and Arnott, 2013). Audiologists, speech-language pathologists, and other related professionals often characterize the disorder in disparate ways. Practice guidelines from the American-Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) and the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) both characterize (C)APD as a disorder primarily arising from the central auditory nervous system, and emphasize that symptoms of CAPD often overlap with those in individuals with sensory, language, or cognitive disorders. Recent research has suggested the need to re-conceptualize APD from a modality-specific definition to a more global assessment of auditory skill weakness, regardless of the underlying cause (BSA, 2018; Vermiglio, 2014, Medwetsky, 2011). Doing so would likely increase the number of individuals seeking assessment of listening difficulties but would require audiologists to work closely with other professionals in designing a multi-faceted treatment plan for individuals found to have specific auditory skill weaknesses, even if (C)APD is not the primary diagnosis. A variety of treatment techniques and interventions are currently being used to target listening skills without professional input from an audiologist. Regardless of the list of symptoms or the concept of the singular clinical entity we call APD, children and adults with listening difficulties will be served more appropriately if audiologists are involved in the testing and treatment related to all types of listening difficulties. 

Summary of Presentation: This session will summarize differing ways to conceptualize APD, as well as current deficit-specific treatment recommendations for both children and adults. Treatments recommended and provided by both audiologists and non-audiologists will be included. Four cases (A, B, C, and D) will be presented, with information regarding symptoms, assessment results, recommendations, specific treatments provided (auditory and non-auditory), and treatment outcomes included with each case. This session will highlight recent research in this area and several case studies from a university clinic in which mild gain hearing aids were used to treat symptoms of CAPD. 
Broadening the scope of which individuals may receive benefit from auditory processing testing and treatment will likely require audiologists to increase collaboration with other disciplines such as occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, and psychology. A variety of treatment techniques and interventions are currently being used to target listening skills without professional input from an audiologist. Regardless of the list of symptoms or the concept of the singular clinical entity we call APD, children and adults with listening difficulties will be served more appropriately if audiologists are involved in the testing and treatment related to all types of listening difficulties.