Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 3/23/2009

Question
My 8 y.o. daughter is being tested for CAPD.  When she was about 3 y.o. she
fell, resulting in a fractured skull and an epidural hematoma at the brain
stem.  At the time, the neurologists reported that there would be no
sequelae.

Could there be a relationship?  Would an ABR possibly  be useful?

Thanks for your insight!

Answer
Hi Elisa,
There always exists the possibility that a traumatic head injury results in an auditory processing deficit. Unfortunately, there is no way to definitively connect the two.  

There is a  lot of research now being conducted on soldiers who served in Iraq who suffered traumatic brain injury and have consequently reported auditory difficulties.  Maybe some day, there will be more definitive links between the two.

An ABR only evaluates whether the auditory nerve itself is in tact.  It is not necessary a test of auditory processing abilities.  However, there is a condition, known as Auditory Neuropathy/Auditory Dyssynchrony which would be recognized through an ABR. Many times, this condition could present similar symptoms as an Auditory processing deficit.

What were the results of your daughter's APD test?  Here is a great site for the National Coalition on Auditory Processing Disorders that may give you more information regarding the diagnosis and treatment of APD:  http://www.ncapd.org/php/

Hope this helps.
Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology