What is the CAP Test?

The Central Auditory Processing (CAP) test battery evaluates how effectively the brain interprets and makes sense of sounds, despite normal peripheral hearing. It helps diagnose Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) by pinpointing which auditory processes—such as sound discrimination, temporal processing, or binaural interaction—are weakened or inefficient.

Who needs a CAP test?

CAP testing is generally recommended for individuals age 7 and up who:

• Shows struggle in understanding speech in noisy or multi-talker environments
• Frequently ask for repetitions in conversations
• Show normal audiogram results but display listening or learning challenges
• Have no significant peripheral hearing loss or unmanaged attention disorders prior to assessment

How is the CAP test done?

1. Pre-Assessment Screening
    Confirm normal pure-tone hearing and rule out auditory neuropathy or other peripheral issues with tests like ABR or acoustic reflexes.
2. Case History & Questionnaires
    Gather information on listening behaviors, academic performance, and daily communication challenges.
3. CAP Test Battery
    Delivered via headphones in a sound-treated booth, interactive tasks typically last 45–60 minutes, with breaks to prevent fatigue.
4. Scoring & Interpretation
    Results are converted into standard scores or percentiles; patterns of strengths and weaknesses across subtests guide diagnosis and intervention planning.

The CAP test will allow for differential diagnosis that rules out attention, language impairments, or learning disabilities as primary causes.

Follow-Up and Treatment after CAP test

Recommendations may include auditory training exercises, classroom accommodations, or assistive listening devices.

• Auditory Training Programs
  Computer-based or clinician-led exercises targeting weak processing areas, such as focusing on phonemic awareness and listening strategies.
• Environmental Modifications
  Use of FM systems or hearing aids or preferential seating to improve signal-to-noise ratio.
• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) Accommodations like extended time, written instructions, and quieter testing environments.