top of page

Information About CAP

Understanding CAP

Central Auditory Processes  (CAP) are the auditory system mechanisms and processes responsible for the following behavioral phenomena ( ASHA 1996 )

  • Sound localization and lateralization 

  • Auditory discrimination and auditory pattern recognition

  • Temporal aspects of audition including: temporal resolution, temporal masking, temporal integration and temporal ordering.

  • Auditory performance with competing acoustic signals 

  • Auditory performance with degraded acoustic signals 

These processes apply to both verbal and non-verbal signals, and they effect many areas of function including listening, spoken language comprehension and learning.  

 

Sometimes your brain has challenges in the process of interpreting the information that is coming through your ears. Most websites call this "Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)". But CAP4Kids thinks that terms like "disorder" or "dysfunction" are negative and discouraging.  We call it "CAP challenges" because it sounds more positive and encouraging.

  1. Developmental: For the majority of cases, the cause of CAP challenges is unknown. During our growth, some part of the auditory processing system may not fully develop, like delay in myelin maturation, or misplaced cells in the auditory cortex. 

  2. Genetic: When CAP challenges are inherited through genetic traits 

  3. Acquired: When the central auditory nervous system has been damaged by experiences such as:

  • Recurrent ear infections ​

  • Head trauma for example a ball that hits you in the head

  • Lack of oxygen during the birth process 

  • Forceps delivery

Definition
Causes

The auditory system is build on the ways our ears process everything you listen to around you. We have an ability to discriminate, recognize, and comprehend auditory information. Some people have a stronger, or weaker, CAP-ability manage the auditory processes.

How CAP works
bottom of page