Auditory Processing Support (CAPD)
Helping kids who hear just fine, but still struggle to make sense of sound.
Does your child seem to hear you, but often asks "What?" or zones out in noisy places? Do they struggle with following instructions, remembering what was said, or coping in the classroom?
They might have what's called a Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD): a condition where the ears hear normally, but the brain has trouble making sense of the sounds.
At Hear Well – Live Well, we offer caring, structured support for families navigating auditory processing difficulties. From initial assessment to school support and listening therapy, we help kids build the skills they need to thrive.
"You know your child best. We're here to help you understand what's going on and what can help."
What is auditory processing disorder?
Central Auditory Processing Disorder is about how the brain works with sound, not how well the ears pick it up. A child with CAPD can usually pass a standard hearing test — their hearing is normal — yet they still find it hard to make sense of what they hear.
That's because hearing happens in two stages: the ears detect sound, and the brain interprets it. When the second stage is the sticking point, fast speech, busy classrooms and noisy playgrounds can become genuinely overwhelming. It's not about effort or behaviour — and understanding that often comes as a real relief to families.
Signs to look out for
Every child is different, and these signs can overlap with other things. But if several of them sound familiar, it can be worth a closer look:
If this rings true, a good place to begin is a simple hearing test to check that hearing itself is clear.
How assessment works
Check hearing first — we start with a standard hearing test to make sure the ears are working well and rule out things like earwax or a middle-ear issue.
Listen to your story — we talk through what you're noticing at home and school, so we understand the whole picture, not just the test results.
Screen and refer — a full auditory processing assessment uses specialised tests in a sound-treated room, typically for children 7 years and older. We screen and arrange referral for that detailed assessment where it's appropriate.
Explain and plan — we talk you through what it all means in plain language, and map out the support that will help most.
You'll never be rushed, and you'll always leave with a clearer understanding than when you arrived.
🔎 What we offer:
Screening and referral for full auditory processing assessments
Individual support plans and listening strategies
School collaboration
Tools for home and classroom support
Ongoing coaching and care, tailored to your child
How we support you
A diagnosis is only the beginning. The real difference comes from the everyday strategies that help a child cope and grow in confidence — at school, at home and out in the world.
We work alongside you to build practical listening strategies, support good communication habits, and collaborate with teachers so the classroom works with your child rather than against them. Where it's helpful, we can provide reports and support letters for schools or NDIS plans.
If structured listening practice would help, you can also read about our auditory training — and you're always welcome to get in touch to talk through where to start.
Auditory processing support close to home
You don't need to travel to a city clinic to get your child the help they need. Annemarie provides caring, independent auditory processing support in Narooma, for families across the wider Eurobodalla and South Coast community — from Dalmeny and Tuross Head to Moruya, Bermagui and beyond.
CAPD FAQs
Ready to Support Your Child?
Whether you're just starting to notice differences or have already received a diagnosis, you don't have to figure this out alone. Let's have a conversation about how we can support your child's listening journey.
Book Your CAPD Consultation