Auditory Training & Processing Therapy
Improves how the brain processes auditory information, addressing difficulties with listening in noise, following directions, and distinguishing speech sounds.
What Is Auditory Training?
Auditory training and processing therapy addresses difficulties with how the brain processes sound — distinct from hearing loss, which is an ear problem. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) involves difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, following multi-step directions, distinguishing similar sounds, and processing auditory information quickly.
Treatment may include computer-based auditory training programs (like CAPDOTS or Fast ForWord), FM system use in classrooms, compensatory strategies, and environmental modifications. An audiologist diagnoses APD and may provide therapy directly or refer to an SLP.
Auditory training exercises the brain's ability to process sound more efficiently through structured, repetitive listening activities that gradually increase in difficulty.
Who Benefits from Auditory Training?
hearing loss
Auditory training helps maximize benefit from hearing aids or cochlear implants by training the brain to interpret the new auditory signal more effectively.
learning disabilities
Addresses auditory processing weaknesses that can affect phonological awareness, reading decoding, and classroom listening comprehension.
brain injury
Treats auditory processing difficulties that commonly occur after brain injury, improving functional listening in everyday environments.
adhd
APD and ADHD frequently co-occur. Auditory training can improve listening skills, though attention management remains a separate issue.
What to Expect in a Session
First Session
A comprehensive auditory processing assessment (90-120 minutes) by an audiologist evaluates multiple aspects of auditory processing using standardized tests in a sound booth. This assessment typically requires the child to be at least age 7.
Ongoing Sessions
Computer-based auditory training programs may be done at home (20-30 minutes daily) with periodic audiologist check-ins. In-person sessions may focus on speech-in-noise training and compensatory strategy instruction.
Your Child's Role
Your child completes structured listening activities — either at home on a computer program or in clinic. Activities involve discriminating sounds, following increasingly complex directions, and listening in challenging conditions.
Caregiver's Role
Parents supervise home-based computer training programs and work with the school to implement accommodations (preferential seating, FM systems, reduced background noise).
When to Start
Early Childhood (0-5)
APD is typically not formally diagnosed until age 7 due to test requirements. However, auditory enrichment and language stimulation can begin earlier if concerns are suspected.
School Age (6-17)
Most APD diagnoses occur in school-age children when classroom listening demands reveal processing difficulties.
Adults (18+)
Adults can be assessed and treated for APD, particularly after brain injury or when lifelong processing difficulties have been missed.
General guidance: If your child hears well (passes hearing tests) but seems not to listen, struggles in noisy environments, or frequently misunderstands instructions, request an auditory processing evaluation.
| Item | Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Assessment | $150–$400 | Auditory processing assessment |
| Per Session | $80–$150 | 45-60 minutes |
| Insurance | May be covered under audiology or speech-language pathology benefits depending on the provider | |
| Tax Credit | Eligible for METC when provided by a registered audiologist or SLP | |
Money-Saving Tips
- Hospital-based audiology departments may offer auditory training at lower costs than private clinics
- Computer-based auditory training programs (e.g., CAPDOTS) can supplement in-person sessions at lower cost
- Check if your school board's speech-language services include auditory processing support
| Province | Status | Program | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | Partially Funded | BC Early Hearing Program | Early hearing program provides auditory-verbal therapy for identified infants and young children at no cost.(Under 6) |
| AB | Partially Funded | Alberta Health Services | Auditory-verbal therapy available through Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital and some AHS audiology programs.(Under 18) |
| SK | No data | — | — |
| MB | No data | — | — |
| ON | Partially Funded | Infant Hearing Program / Children's Treatment Centres | Infant Hearing Program provides free auditory-verbal therapy for deaf and hard-of-hearing children; cochlear implant rehab covered.(Under 6) |
| QC | Partially Funded | CISSS/CIUSSS | Auditory training available through public rehabilitation centres for deaf and hard-of-hearing children.(Under 18) |
| NB | No data | — | — |
| NS | Partially Funded | Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres | Province operates hearing and speech centres providing auditory training for children with hearing loss.(Under 18) |
| PE | No data | — | — |
| NL | No data | — | — |
| NT | No data | — | — |
| NU | No data | — | — |
| YT | No data | — | — |
Evidence & Research
Auditory training has emerging evidence. Some studies support computer-based auditory training programs for improving specific auditory processing skills. However, the APD field itself has diagnostic and definitional controversies. The strongest evidence supports FM systems in classrooms and compensatory strategy training.
Important Note
Auditory Processing Disorder is somewhat controversial. While audiologists widely recognize APD, some researchers debate whether it is a distinct disorder or a manifestation of other conditions (ADHD, language disorders). Regardless of the diagnostic debate, the practical interventions (FM systems, environmental modifications, strategy training) are beneficial for children who struggle with listening.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious of any provider who:
- Diagnoses APD in a child under age 7 using standardized tests not validated for that age
- Recommends expensive commercial programs without evidence-based justification
- Claims auditory training will cure reading disabilities, ADHD, or autism
- Does not recommend practical classroom accommodations alongside therapy
- The provider is not a registered audiologist
How to Find a Provider
- 1
Ask your family doctor or paediatrician for a referral to an audiologist who specializes in APD assessment
- 2
Contact your provincial audiology association for referrals
- 3
Check if your children's hospital has an audiology department that assesses APD
- 4
Ask your school board if their speech-language pathology team can screen for auditory processing concerns
- 5
Contact Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) for audiologist referrals
Conditions That Use Auditory Training
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