Thought not completely known, it is understood that CAPD can develop due to an abnormal processing ability of auditory information by the brain. This leads to delayed development of the central auditory system. Sometimes, certain developmental abnormalities have also been linked to CAPD like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Dyslexia as well as language impairments.

Some evidence also suggests that children with neurological disorders, head trauma and chronic ear infections can suffer from CAPD.

CAPD can display several forms of signs and symptoms, all ranging from mild to severe. These might include:

Delayed speech and language development

Difficulty concentrating and understanding fast or unclear speech

Difficulty responding to questions

Distraction and inattentiveness

Frequently asking for information to be repeated

Poor listening abilities

Poor performance in big groups

Poor self-esteem and anxiety

Reading, writing and spelling difficulties

Sensitivity to loud sounds

Trouble determining the source of a sound

Trouble differentiating sounds

Trouble listening and understanding speech in noisy environments

Trouble remembering information that was heard

Although no cure for CAPD is present, Gleneagles Hospitals strives to provide different treatment options solely aimed to improving this condition in all of our patients. A speech therapist can evaluate the condition and recommend the appropriate treatment depending on the severity of your disorder.

Treatment may include:

Individual speech therapy sessions that aim to encourage and train auditory processing pathways

Intervention to help manipulate a child's academic and learning environments, and these include:

Assigning seats away from windows and other distractions

Assigning seats close to teachers in the classroom

Reducing background noise whenever possible

Using hearing aids to amplify speech signals and supply them directly to the student’s ears

Using visual aids such as handouts and diagrams to assist the child in following the lesson