A New CAPD Battery—Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment

Based on recommendations by Musiek & Chermak (1994, American Journal of Audiology, 3 , 23–27) and ASHA (1996, American Journal of Audiology, 5 (2), 41–54), a battery of four commonly used tests was selected and recorded for use in assessing school children. These tests were labeled the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment (MAPA) and then administered to an initial sample of 81 third grade children, along with the SCAN screening test for auditory processing disorders. Afterward, several exploratory factor analyses were performed on the findings, and comparisons were made between the results for the MAPA and SCAN. Four separate factors emerged from the four MAPA tests, which were linked closely to the components of central auditory processing disorders (CAPDs) defined by ASHA (1996, American Journal of Audiology, 5 (2), 41–54). These factors were labeled monaural separation/closure (MSC), auditory pattern/temporal ordering, binaural integration, and binaural separation (BS). SCAN appears to measure two of these factors, MSC and BS. Use of MAPA is encouraging. Our findings suggest it may provide an appropriate multiple-test, CAPD battery for third grade children, and it meets at least some of the objectives described in the consensus document proposed by ASHA (1996, American Journal of Audiology, 5 (2), 41–54).