Auditory Processing Disorder.

young boy smiling
young boy having his ear examined by a female audiologist

Testing & Diagnosis

Monkey Ears.

Beginning in February of 2024, Monkey Mouths will offer APD evaluation and diagnosis through our sister company, Monkey Ears. Monkey Ears pediatric audiologists utilize the Buffalo Model to identify and analyze the nuances of auditory processing difficulties. This comprehensive evaluation is not covered by insurance plans.  The out-of-pocket cost for this comprehensive audiological evaluation is $750.–this fee is paid directly to Monkey Ears and includes a thorough examination to assess how the brain processes auditory information along with a comprehensive report that can assist the family, other providers, and schools in utilizing the best strategies for intervention and accomodations when needed.

Testing & Diagnosis

What is APD?

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) represents a complex condition affecting how the brain interprets and comprehends auditory information. It doesn’t involve the ears’ ability to hear sounds but rather the brain’s ability to process and make sense of what is heard. This disorder can manifest differently in individuals, leading to difficulties in various auditory tasks, such as understanding speech in noisy environments, following directions, or distinguishing between similar sounds.

audiologist hugging young male patient both smiling at camera
side view of a young boy sitting with hearing testing equipment in his ear

Testing & Diagnosis

The Buffalo Model.

The Buffalo Model stands as a crucial framework used by audiologists to evaluate and diagnose APD. It provides a structured approach to assess the various components of auditory processing that might be affected in individuals with this disorder. Through the Buffalo Model, our audiologists investigate different aspects of auditory processing, such as auditory discrimination, temporal processing, sound localization, and auditory memory, among others. These assessments help pinpoint specific areas of weakness in processing auditory information.

Testing & Diagnosis

Daily Challenges.

Individuals with APD often experience challenges in daily life that can impact academic performance, social interactions, and overall communication. They might struggle to follow conversations in noisy settings, have difficulty following multi-step instructions, or face challenges in academic environments due to issues with auditory processing. These difficulties can be misinterpreted as hearing problems, but APD specifically pertains to how the brain interprets sound.

female audiologist sitting talking with a mom and her young son
two female audiologists looking at patient results

Testing & Diagnosis

Early Intervention.

While the precise causes of APD are not always clear, it can sometimes be associated with other conditions, such as learning disabilities, attention deficits, or language disorders. Early identification and understanding of APD are crucial for implementing appropriate interventions and strategies tailored to the individual’s specific auditory processing profile.

Auditory Processing Therapy

Certified Speech Pathologists.

At Monkey Mouths, our speech pathologists receive specialized training through the Auditory Processing Institute (API) to provide auditory processing therapy for our patients that have previously been diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) by a certified audiologist.

female audiologist doing auditory processing disorder therapy with a young boy
female audiologist playing game with young boy

Auditory Processing Therapy

Specialized Therapy.

The API model is a structured and comprehensive approach aimed at addressing deficits in auditory processing skills. This specialized therapy, based on the API model, focuses on assessing and targeting specific auditory processing difficulties such as auditory discrimination, auditory sequencing, and auditory memory. Through a series of tailored exercises and activities, individuals engage in tasks designed to improve their ability to process and interpret auditory information effectively.

Auditory Processing Therapy

API Techniques.

The API model employs various techniques to enhance auditory processing abilities, including:

By targeting these specific areas of auditory processing, the therapy aims to improve listening skills, comprehension, and overall communication for individuals experiencing challenges in processing auditory information.

young boy smiling, playing with female speech pathologist