Mobile Business Number: 470-576-1301
Auditory Processing Evaluation and Therapy Services
Certified by the Auditory Processing Institute
Member of the International Guild of Auditory Processing Specialists (IGAPS)
Certified Interactive Metronome Specialist
What is an Auditory Processing Disorder?
According to Dr. Jack Katz, a pioneer in this field of audiology, in simplistic terms, auditory processing is "what we do with what we hear". An auditory processing disorder (APD) is a disruption the way an individual understands what it is hearing. It is important to note, that this is not a hearing loss, though it displays as a deficit in hearing. It is a disorder of the auditory system at the level of the brain, specifially the auditory cortex.
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The Mindful Ears Auditory Processing Program is a specialized program that consists of a comprehensive audiological evaluation, auditory processing evaluation utilizing the Central Test Battery/Buffalo Model and individualized auditory processing therapy solutions for children (starting at age 5) and adults.
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Our Auditory Processing Therapy Program consists of Phonemic Analysis and Synthesis, Phonemic Training, Speech in Noise, Localization, Short-Term Auditory Memory, Working Memory, Auditory Visual-Motor Integration, and Temporal/Rhythm Training.
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To support the various modes of learning, our training includes auditory, visual, tactile and kinestetic aspects that considers the whole child.
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The program consists of weekly sessions and requires a minimum of 12 weeks and maximum of 14 weeks for the first round. Every week, progress is monitored utilizing qualitative and quantitative measures.
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Therapy may include use of speech manipulatives for phonemic training and interactive games utilizing applications such as Blooket, Kahoot, Acoustic Pioneer and Interactive Metronome.
As an experienced educator as well as educational audiologist, I proudly advocate for students who are demonstrating challenges in their instructional settings by working with administrators, teachers, agencies and participating as a member of the 504, Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Educational Plan (IEP) team, as needed.
Our Mindful Ears APD Program can be provided in various formats which include virtually/telehealth, home-based (mobile), library settings, and in-office.
We understand that instructional time is pertinent for school-age students and will consider extended hours or unconventional business hours. Please note, there may be an additional fee for hours outside of our normal business hours. ​
About the Our Program
APD affects both children and adults and is treatable when evaluated and handled with care.
Signs and Symptoms of APD
Though signs and symptoms may vary per individual, individuals that present with APD concerns may demonstrate an mixture of signs/symptoms.
Difficulty understanding speech in background noise.
Difficulty recalling verbal information.
Difficulty following multi-step instructions presented verbally without visual cues.
Difficulty reading, writing, spelling, or academic performance.
Easily distracted/annoyed by sudden or loud noises.
Difficulty with focusing or attending to tasks for longer periods of time.
TYPES OF APD DEFICITS
APD is a complex diagnosis and there are varying APD deficits or profiles that correspond to specific areas of the brain and have specific behaviors that emerge when those areas are affected. It is also possible to have multiple deficits. Our Mindful Ears APD Program utilitizes the Buffalo Model which focuses on four main categories: Decoding, Tolerance Fading Memory, Organization and Integration.
Decoding (DEC)
Refers to how one quickly and accurately digests speech at the phonemic level.
Organization (ORG)
Refers to how one orders/sequences auditory information.
Tolerance Fading Memory (TFM)
Refers to how one understands and tolerates speech in noise as well as their short term auditory memory.
Integration (INT)
Refers to how the right and left hemispheres of the brain processes/understands auditory input received from the ear level.
OUR APD SERVICES
Our program is evidenced-based and provided in a relaxed, non-medical, and welcoming environment. Most sessions are held at our business-consultation office and has a quaint waiting area with coffees and teas available where parents are welcome to wait. Parents are also welcome to observe sessions as deemed necessary via video.
Intake
(1 hour)
This is a one hour meeting to review case history which will include birth, medical, educational, work (if an adult) and psycho-social history. In addition, time will be used to administer/evaluate questionnaires and review our policies/procedures.
Comprehensive Audiological Evaluation
(1 hour)
A comprehensive audiological evaluation is require to rule out any involvement of the auditory system at the ear level. Prior evaluations may be accepted if within 3 months for children and 6 months for adults.
Review of Findings
(1 hour)
The quantitative and qualitative data is presented to summarize findings. Time is alotted to answer anyy questions or to address any concerns. A strategic action plan for therapy is discussed.
Auditory Processing Therapy
(1 hour/session)
Therapy plans are individualized based on the deficits found during the comprensive evaluation. Therapy is typically scheduled in 45-60 minutes sessions, once a week. Sessions may be scheduled every other week, if necessary, preferably after the first 4-6 sessions have been completed. Therapy is scheduled in "rounds." Round 1 consists of 12-14 sessions. If additional rounds of therapy are needed, they are planned to target remaining areas of weakness. Typically a one month break is taken between rounds.
Comprehnsive Auditory Processing Evaluation
(2 hours)
A comprehensive test battery is administered during this two-hour scheduled session. All tests are analyzed and interpreted using both quantitative and qualitative measures. Analysis are based on age-related norms and will not be available immediately after testing. A 2 week follow-up is scheduled to review results.
Supplemental Services
(Varies)
Other supplemental services are available as needed. These services may include:
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Participation in IFSP, 504, IEP meetings
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Staff Education
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Home-based supplemental programs
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Hearing assistive technology such as direct microphone systems/low-gain hearing aids
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Associated Fees
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At intake your will be provided a detailed/itemized description of services and associated fee
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Onsite Audiology, LLC is out of network with commercial health insurances and managed care plans such as Medicaid/Medicare may not cover such services. We do not bill insurance companies but can gladly provide you an itemized bill/Superbill if you desire to submit to your insurance company. Please note that reimbursement is not guaranteed.
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Financing through Care Credit is available with a 12-month no interest option.
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All monies are due prior to service and all forms of payment are accepted. This includes personal checks, credit cards, HSA/FSA, and cash. Zelle, ApplePay and Venmo payments are also accepted. We do not accept CashApp.
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An official invoice/receipt will be provided upon rendering of services.
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Fees for procedures are non-refundable and non-transferrable.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
