The Answer to Fast Track Learning Is Here!

Parents and teachers will often report that their child or student does not seem to pay attention in the classroom or in any areas where there is background noise and as a result their academic performance is below expected levels. The first step to investigating these concerns is to perform a hearing test which will often show the hearing to be within normal limits. It is then critically important to perform a Central Auditory Processing assessment. Central Auditory Processing refers to how the brain "makes sense" of the information collected by our ears.

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Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)?

If an individual has a Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD), they will often have trouble detecting, discriminating and organizing the information collected by the ears. Following is a list of typical symptoms displayed by those with CAPD:

• frequent requests for clarification
• poor attention and easily distracted
• difficulty following instructions with more than one part
• poor listening in background noise
• reduced auditory memory
• disorganized and forgetful
• possible behavioural problems
• reading, spelling and academic performance

A conservative estimate is that 5% of the general population experience Central Auditory Processing Disorder. That translates to 1 or 2 children in every classroom! Research also indicates that CAPD is more common in boys than girls.

A Central Auditory Processing Assessment needs to be conducted by a suitably qualified and experienced Audiologist. Western Hearing Services has 3 Audiologists who have the required specialized training. The assessment takes one to one and a half hours to complete and includes a thorough audiological evaluation using the latest technology available. For the most accurate results, testing is best conducted on children 6 years of age or older.

Previously, if a Central Auditory Processing Disorder was diagnosed there was no specific treatment available to actually fix the problem of how the brain processes the sound. However, now there is treatment available, it is called Fast ForWord.

Fast ForWord is a unique, intensive computer based programme specifically designed for those with central auditory processing difficulties.

Commonly, individuals with CAPD have difficulty distinguishing between sounds which are similar (eg. /s/ and /sh/), therefore Fast ForWord is designed to slow down the speech sounds to enable the individual to recognize the subtle differences between each sound. As the auditory processing improves, the programme will automatically adjust the speed of speech sounds, keeping the individual at an 80% success rate which is vital in maintaining motivation and in re-building self-esteem. The goal of Fast ForWord is to improve the processing ability to be the same as an individual of the same age with no auditory processing problems.

Fast ForWord is achieving wonderful results in just 4 weeks. Average gains of 18 months to 2 years in skills such as reading, spelling, following directions and understanding of sentences have been reported. Fast ForWord is suitable for children through to adults.

Scientific Learning, the US developers of the programme, recommend that the programme be undertaken on an intensive basis over a 4 week period consisting of 20 x 2 hour sessions. These sessions are fully supervised by a qualified Speech Pathologist. Western Hearing Services was the first to bring the programme to Australia from the United States .

Fast ForWord is conducted at the Claremont Clinic of Western Hearing Services situated at Shop 4, 62 Bay View Terrace (cnr Stirling Highway). Telephone enquiries are welcomed on 1800 622 121 .