We start with a meeting to outline personal audiological history and specific hearing difficulties. Two questionnaires are completed to provide information, assist in diagnosis and establish if APD testing is going to be beneficial.
If indicated, we then book a time to administer the testing. This consists of three tests under headphones and takes about 45-60 minutes. From these results, an auditory report and personalised therapy program can be developed.
Auditory training therapy consists of 12-14, 45-minute sessions that take place over 14 weeks. We work on decoding, listening in noise, organisation, dichotic listening, short term and working memory and auditory integration skills.
Testing and therapy can be online or face to face.
When undertaking online testing and therapy for children we like a parent nearby to assist if necessary. We like to repeat the assessment at therapy end to measure overall progress.
Other therapies we offer at Auditory Processing Services:
Interactive Metronome
Interactive Metronome: (IM) trains neural rhythm and timing in the brain and body.
The IM offers a selection of games that will keep your child motivated and engaged and challenged. IM is recognized as a therapy with may help children with autism spectrum disorder, learning difficulties and cognition, ADHD, Sensory Processing disorder, auditory processing disorder, and more. The interactive metronome is backed by over 20 years of research and has studies published in respected scientific journals demonstrating improvements in: academics, reading comprehension and speech fluency, handwriting, organization, behaviour and
self-esteem as well as sports performance.
Overall, Interactive Metronome is a fun and effective way to help clients improve their sensory processing skills, which can have a positive impact on their overall quality of life.
More information is available here: https://www.interactivemetronome.com/
Interactive Metronome home training program is available.
Safe and Sound protocol
This 5-day Sound therapy and auditory training program uses music and sound to activate the parasympathetic ‘rest and digest’ part of the nervous system, particularly the Vagus Nerve.
Throughout this 5-day program, the child listens to the music for 1 hour per day in a quiet and relaxed home environment whilst being supervised by a parent or caregiver.
The Safe and Sound Protocol is based on the work by Dr Stephen Porges’ POLYVAGAL THEORY.
The goals of the program are to improve social skills and social engagement, improve auditory processing and listening skills and to reduce anxiety by enabling the child to hear higher pitched sounds which we recognise as ‘cues of safety’.
Children with conditions such as: Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, auditory processing disorder and anxiety or early childhood trauma are often great candidates for the program and research shows children seem to benefit greatly when the SSP is used in conjunction with other therapies such as Auditory training therapy, OT and Speech therapies.
Overall, SSP is a safe and effective therapy that can help clients reduce stress and anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and increase social engagement. More information can be found at: https://aus.integratedlistening.com/ .
You don't need a referral to make an appointment at Auditory Processing Services. You may be able to access Medicare rebates with a referral, or if you or your child has a Team Care Arrangement. If you have access to funding through the NDIS, we can provide services to self-managed, plan-managed and NDIS managed clients.