Auditory Processing Disorder
Also written as: APD — Auditory Processing Disorder
A deficit in the perceptual processing of auditory information in the central auditory nervous system, occurring in the presence of normal peripheral hearing sensitivity.
Full Definition
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), also termed Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), is characterised by difficulties processing or interpreting auditory signals despite audiometrically normal pure-tone thresholds. Assessment involves a battery of behavioral tests (e.g., dichotic digit tests, auditory figure-ground tasks, gap detection) and may include electrophysiological measures. In editorial documents, 'APD' and 'CAPD' should not be used interchangeably without explanation, as some professional bodies prefer one term over the other; ASHA uses 'APD' while the British Society of Audiology historically used 'APD.' Editors should flag language that describes APD as a 'type of hearing loss,' as peripheral thresholds are typically normal.
Usage
Usage note: Clarify in any document whether 'APD' or 'CAPD' is preferred house style. Do not describe APD as a form of hearing loss; the distinction between peripheral and central processing is clinically and editorially important.
In Context
- "Despite normal pure-tone thresholds, the child's performance on dichotic listening tasks confirmed a diagnosis of auditory processing disorder." — Pediatric audiology report
- "The editor standardized 'CAPD' to 'APD' throughout the document in line with the journal's adoption of ASHA terminology." — Journal manuscript editing