...
Royal Arch Research Assistance
Assisting the
Center for Central Auditory Research
at
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado
CENTRAL
AUDITORY
PROCESSING
DISORDER
A central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) is a condition in which one has difficulty processing or interpreting
auditory information when in a less than optimal listening environment. Individuals with a CAPD typically have normal
hearing acuity but are unable to efficiently process or interpret speech when in a minimally-noisy environment. The
majority
of children and adults that we test at the Center for Central Auditory Research at Colorado State University can hear soft sounds but are unable to understand or process verbal
information in an efficient manner
in their daily lives. They often report that they are confused or become flustered in busy listening environments. Settings such as a classroom environment, the work place, and social gatherings are
often very difficult for them
because 9f confusing verbal stimuli.
CENTRAL AUDITORY
NERVOUS
SYSTEM FUNCTION
Our research has led us to believe that the knowledge of the workings of the central auditory nervous system (CANS) is critical so that proper diagnosis and management can be initiated. Each of the human senses have special areas of representation in the brainstem and brain. We believe that the auditory system provides perhaps the most important of those sensory systems because it gives us an avenue of verbal communication.
For a number of years, the study of CAPD in children has been the primary focus of our work at the Center for Central Auditory Research. Because of the complexity of the CANS and the subtlety of this disorder, our work has involved many aspects of human function. These include the study of CANS function, speech and language ability , academic performance, emotional and behavioral function, and motor performance.
Joan M. Burleigh, Ph.D.
evaluates CANS function
RESEARCH FINDINGS
Our research has given us insight into academic function of many of these children. For example, we have discovered that approximately 60% of children with CAPD have a history reading difficulty .This is especially true early grade levels. In the early primary grades, as many as four-to- five children in classroom may be challenged by "overloading" of auditory information. This statistic alone would lead one believe that implementing auditory structure in the classroom would benefit many children in their early classroom experiences. Twenty years of research has produced numerous innovations in managing children and adults with CAPD. Inappropriate structure, incomprehensible demands, tasks which continually stress the CANS will lead to failure.
Michael W. Thompson, Ph.D. uses D.S
technology to modify speech stimuli
Because of recent developments in digital signal processing (DSP), new avenues of research into the enhancement of speech comprehension are unfolding. Collaborative work with electrical engineering has afforded exciting opportunities for unique and "cutting-edge" technology .Recent research at the Center has shown that speech intelligibility can be significantly increased by "slowing- down" the rate of speech using DSP techniques.
THE FUTURE
Research is continuing in collaboration with professionals in electrical and mechanical engineering, computer science, education, audiology, speech and language pathology, psychology, and occupational therapy in an effort to address the problems which plague children and adults with central auditory processing difficulties. Because of the support of the General Grand Chapter of the Royal Arch Masons, International, our direct management program has changed the lives of thousands of individuals with this disorder. With the addition of innovative technology and your continued support, we are excited about the potential benefits of this research for many years to come.
Joan M. Burleigh, Ph.D.
HOW CAN I HELP?
If you would like to take part in helping children with Central Auditory Processing Disorders, share this brochure with friends, companions, or your local school system. Your financial contribution will allow you the satisfaction of knowing that this invaluable research and service to humankind will continue for years to come.
Please return to your
Chapter Secretary or
JAMES B. WALL Executive Director
P.O. Box 58070
Louisville, KY 40268-0070
I hereby pledge my support to the
General Grand Chapter's program
of RESEARCH ASSISTANCE.
I enclose for the Supporting Endowment Fund
$
$ 25.00
$ 50.00
$ 100.00
$ (*)
as a Memorial/Honorarium
(please indicate which)
(*)
If $10.00 or more,
please send announcement to:
