When looking at the outer ear in terms of hearing loss, there are not many things that can go wrong since it consists mainly of stationary structures. Both of these structures act to channel sound waves into the structure known as the eardrum. The outer ear consists of the outer structures of the ear and the ear canal. The outer ear consists of the parts of the ear you can visually see. Understanding how hearing works and how it can go awry is a significant step to understanding the differences between hearing impairments and auditory processing disorders. Below is a closer look at each step of hearing and hearing impairments associated with each step. The same goes for hearing, as hearing impairment can occur at any point in the process.
Like any well-oiled machine, one issue could cost the entire process to falter. While we do not notice all of the work behind the scenes, it is a large undertaking, and the body does it seamlessly. Hearing is a very complex process that involves moving parts, neurological impulses, and a network of neurons to make sense of it all. Most research and energy with CAPD goes towards pediatrics since catching it early can lead to better outcomes, but adults diagnosed with CAPD lack available information, guidance, or screenings to help them.īelow is a closer look at what CAPD is, how it affects listening ability, and strategies and tools that those with CAPD can utilize to have an easier time in their day-to-day life. While many instances of CAPD are now caught very early on in childhood or adolescence, several people slipped through the cracks and have been living with CAPD without even knowing it.
The early literacy screening provides those who would otherwise struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia an opportunity to get tailored assistance that allows them to have an easier time dealing with dyslexia and learn how to manage it effectively.Īnother disorder gaining more awareness in recent years is central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). One example is the recent dyslexia screenings being implemented in the Washington state education system. This trend is evident in schools where screening for common learning disabilities is becoming more of an area of interest to ensure students are not left behind due to undiagnosed disabilities. Modern diagnostics have come a long way in the past few decades as more research and emphasis are placed upon getting people to help sooner rather than later. In some of my patients, the best strategies are just teaching patients to learn how to avoid the pitfalls since the comprehension of sound and language is the magic itself, not whether they heard something or not.” - Drew Sutton, MD, Board-Certified Otolaryngologist Even when supplied with the best information about sounds in our environment, our minds can play tricks. “Perhaps one of the greatest mysteries in medicine is the brain and how it develops and changes.