Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)

What it is:
Central Auditory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has difficulty interpreting sounds, even though hearing is normal. Students may struggle to process verbal instructions, distinguish similar sounds, or understand speech in noisy environments.

What to look out for:
Students may frequently ask for repetition, misunderstand questions, or respond inappropriately in conversations. They might appear inattentive, especially in group discussions or noisy classrooms.

Real-life example:
During a classroom lecture, a student misses key points because they cannot separate the teacher’s voice from background chatter. When asked to follow multi-step instructions verbally, they complete only part of the task or make errors.

How it affects learning:
Difficulty processing auditory information impacts listening comprehension, reading, and verbal memory. Students may struggle with language-based subjects and feel frustrated or anxious in noisy environments.

Best learning strategies:

• Provide written instructions alongside verbal ones.

• Seat students near the teacher and away from background noise.

• Use visual aids and gestures to reinforce learning.

• Allow repetition and clarification of key points.

• Collaborate with audiologists and speech-language therapists for targeted interventions.