Auditory Processing Disorder Assessment in London — Adults & Children
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
APD occurs when the ears and brain do not fully coordinate. Sound is received normally by the ear, but the brain has difficulty interpreting it accurately — particularly speech in background noise or complex listening environments.
APD varies significantly between individuals. It can affect communication, learning and quality of life, and frequently co-occurs with conditions such as dyslexia, attention difficulties and language processing disorders.
The Buffalo Model APD Assessment
Clearly Hearing uses the Buffalo Model as the core framework for our APD assessments. Developed by Professor Jack Katz, the Buffalo Model categorises auditory processing difficulties into four distinct profiles:
- Decoding (DEC) — difficulty distinguishing similar sounds, particularly in noise or at speed.
- Tolerance-Fading Memory (TFM) — difficulty holding and processing auditory information, often presenting as poor listening stamina or difficulty following multi-step instructions.
- Integration (INT) — difficulty combining auditory information across both ears or integrating it with other sensory input.
- Organisation (ORG) — difficulty sequencing and organising auditory information, often presenting as disorganised verbal output or difficulty following complex spoken material.
Identifying a patient’s specific profile allows us to move beyond a generic diagnosis and design a management plan that targets the precise nature of their processing difficulty. Where clinically indicated, additional test measures are included to build a comprehensive picture of auditory function.
APD Assessment for Adults
APD in adults is frequently undiagnosed or misattributed to attention difficulties, anxiety, or simply “not listening.” Many adults reach us having struggled for years in demanding listening environments — busy workplaces, meetings, social settings — without understanding why.Our adult APD assessment includes:
- Full case history and symptom review
- Pure Tone Audiometry to establish hearing thresholds
- Speech-in-noise testing
- Buffalo Model assessment battery including SSW, W-22, and Phonemic Synthesis
- Standardised questionnaires including the SSQ12 and HADS
- Written report with diagnostic findings and personalised management recommendations
Assessments are conducted online, allowing patients across the UK to access specialist APD evaluation without the need to travel to London.
APD Assessment for children
APD is most commonly identified in childhood, often when a child appears to mishear, struggles to follow instructions, or has difficulty in classroom settings despite normal results on a standard hearing test.
Early identification through a structured APD assessment allows for timely intervention, giving children the support they need during key developmental years — including access to appropriate school provisions and educational support plans.
Our paediatric APD assessment follows the same Buffalo Model framework, adapted appropriately for age and developmental stage. A detailed written report is provided, suitable for sharing with schools, GPs, and other healthcare professionals involved in the child’s care.
Causes of APD
Tech-Powered Allies:
Computer-based training
These are like interactive games for your ears! Here, we use various software programmes to put your auditory skills to the test in a fun and motivating way. You can think of it as a personalised brain gym, where you level your sound-processing abilities through playful challenges and rewarding progress.
Our Auditory Processing Disorder Test for adults or children can help assess the extent of your APD and help us devise a plan that addresses your concerns effectively.
