Details of Auditory Processing Disorder testing in Auckland
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Cost of APD Testing: $600.
Duration of APD Testing appointment: 90 minutes.
Call on 09 217 6944 to make an appointment or
click the link below to do it online!
Our Auckland hearing clinic is open from Monday to Friday 9am - 4:30pm.
Closed on weekends and public holidays.
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to difficulties in hearing that stem from issues with how the brain processes auditory information. Unlike traditional hearing issues, APD cannot be identified through standard diagnostic hearing tests, which primarily assess basic hearing capabilities.
This disorder manifests when the brain struggles to interpret and make sense of sounds, leading to challenges in understanding spoken language, distinguishing between similar sounds, and following auditory instructions. As a result, individuals with APD may encounter difficulties in various communication settings.
It's crucial to note that APD often goes undetected by conventional hearing assessments, as these tests focus solely on peripheral hearing. As a result, a comprehensive evaluation specifically targeting auditory processing abilities is necessary to diagnose and address APD effectively.
In New Zealand, research suggests that APD affects approximately 6.2% (1 in 20) of children. Early identification and intervention are key to managing APD and supporting individuals in overcoming the associated auditory challenges. At Family Hearing Centre, we specialise in Auditory Processing Disorder Testing in Auckland, ensuring accurate assessments and tailored care for those affected by APD.
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What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in NZ?
Signs of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in Children
If a child has Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), you may observe difficulties in various areas, including:
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Listening and hearing, especially if there’s a lot of background noise and distractions.
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Following instructions (especially multiple verbal instructions).
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Listening when a signal is not clear or is ‘degraded’ (for example, soft, rapid or distorted).
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Staying focused – for example, they might be easily distracted or appear to be day-dreaming.
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Telling the difference between letters that sound similar, like ‘k’ and ‘g’, or ‘t’ and ‘d’.
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Remembering to say the beginning or end sounds of words when they're reading.
APD can often appear as problems with learning, listening and communication, as well as reading and writing. Those affected by APD might make frequent requests for repetition and/or rephrasing of information, saying “what” or “huh” often.
Adults and children aged 5 and above can complete an APD test at our Auckland hearing clinic. A recent full diagnostic hearing test is a requirement before undertaking an APD test. If this has been done at another hearing provider, please email Family Hearing Centre the test results prior to the appointment.
Experience Family Hearing Centres Reliable Auditory Processing Disorder Testing in Auckland
Our Auditory Processing Disorder testing in Auckland involves a series of 6-10 distinct tasks meticulously designed to assess various components of the Auditory System. To ensure a thorough evaluation, appointments may be scheduled across two days, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes.
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Upon completion of the testing, our dedicated Auckland Audiologists at Family Hearing Centre will walk you through the results, providing a clear understanding of the outcomes. Additionally, a detailed report summarising the findings will be prepared for your reference following the appointment.
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We understand that not everyone can afford the cost of Auditory Processing Disorder Testing in Auckland, and the wait time to be seen at a public hospital can be long. To better accommodate your needs, we encourage you to contact Family Hearing Centre and discuss flexible payment options. Your auditory well-being is our priority and at our Auckland Audiology clinic, we are committed to making our audiology services accessible to all.
Visit Family Hearing Centre to book your Auditory Processing Disorder Test in Auckland. Choose our hearing clinic in Auckland for effective and personalised audiology care.
Specialist assistive technology for Auditory Processing Disorder in NZ
For certain cases, students identified with significant learning needs and diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) may receive guidance from their audiologist to trial a personal remote microphone hearing system (RMHA). Personal RMHA listening devices enable students to directly hear a single voice (captured by a microphone) through receivers worn in their ears. If a student with a diagnosis of APD is learning well, and not receiving additional adult support in class they will not be eligible for this support from the Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Education RMHA funding
To be eligible for the Ministry of Education RMHA funding, an individual student must;
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Have a formal diagnosis of APD from a specialised paediatric audiologist.
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Be receiving additional learning support to address their learning needs through one of the Ministry’s services (see below).
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Show that the use of an RMHA system makes a difference to their learning outcomes.
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We go through this APD funding option in more detail with parents and help you apply for this.
Note: Retrospective funding is not available.
FAQ about Auditory Processing Disorder and APD Testing in Auckland
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about APD in Auckland.
