Hearing is fine — but understanding is hard. We can help.
Auditory Processing Disorder is what happens when the ears hear sound but the brain has trouble making sense of it. Elevate Audiology is one of the few providers in South Carolina — and the only clinic in the Upstate — offering a comprehensive APD test battery as well as virtual and in-person therapy.
A breakdown between the ear and the brain.
APD describes a group of conditions in which the auditory system — from the inner ear through the auditory nerve and into the parts of the brain that interpret sound — doesn’t process information the way it should. Hearing tests can look completely normal, yet listening still feels exhausting, especially in noise.
Common signs include trouble following directions, difficulty understanding speech in background noise, frequently asking people to repeat themselves, struggling in school or meetings, and finding listening genuinely tiring.
APD often overlaps with or is mistaken for ADHD, dyslexia, language disorders or anxiety. As a result, it can go undiagnosed for years. Many individuals only realize they’ve been coping with APD when a pattern of listening difficulties becomes more apparent later in life. A comprehensive evaluation is key to identifying APD and finding the right strategies for support.
Children & adults.
- Children: age 7 and older
- Adults: up to age 64
- No referral required
- Recent hearing test (within 6 months) helpful but not required
A thorough, evidence-based evaluation — not a quick screening.
Since no two cases of APD are exactly alike, we conduct a thorough hearing evaluation followed by a carefully selected battery of 6 to 9 evidence-based tests. The result: a detailed profile of both strengths and challenges that guides accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention.
Case history & intake call
A detailed phone intake plus questionnaires to understand symptoms, history, school or work demands, and goals.
Hearing health diagnostics
Baseline audiological testing to rule out hearing loss as a contributing factor (if not recently completed).
Customized APD test battery
6–9 tests selected by age, cognitive level, and presenting symptoms. May include auditory attention, sound discrimination, binaural integration and separation, auditory closure, and pattern recognition.
After testing, we compile a comprehensive written report outlining diagnostic impressions, clinical observations, and personalized recommendations — including therapy options, school or workplace accommodations, and home strategies. A follow-up consultation by phone or telehealth walks you through everything.
Individualized management for every auditory profile.
Effective management of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Because the auditory system interacts uniquely with each person’s cognitive strengths and environments, individualized management plans are essential. By combining targeted therapy with strategic modifications, we ensure that every individual receives a plan tailored to their specific auditory profile, allowing them to navigate daily life with greater ease and confidence.
Therapy Options
We offer a variety of modalities designed to fit different lifestyles and learning needs:
- Online (At-Home): These programs follow a structured timeline for completion but offer the flexibility to be completed at the specific times during the week that work best for your schedule.
- One-on-One In-Person: Face-to-face sessions utilizing the Buffalo Model therapy style. This approach provides high-engagement and immediate clinician feedback to address specific auditory processing deficits.
- One-on-One Teletherapy: Personalized, real-time sessions also utilizing the Buffalo Model style, conducted via secure video conferencing. (Note: This service is available for South Carolina residents only.)
Environmental Modifications & Strategies
Beyond direct therapy, we provide guidance on optimizing the environments where you spend the most time. Whether at school, in the workplace, or at home, implementing specific environmental strategies helps reduce the “listening load.” These modifications are designed to help the individual understand what they need to function at their best, while empowering family, friends, and colleagues to become more effective communication partners.
APD evaluations & therapy — common questions.
1. How much does an evaluation cost?
The APD evaluation package is typically $699–$769, depending on whether you are an adult or a child and which hearing diagnostics are required. A $350 deposit is due at the time of scheduling, with the remainder due on the day of your evaluation.
This cost includes:
- Comprehensive hearing and middle-ear testing (if not recently completed)
- Auditory processing test battery (6–9 specialized tests)
- Case history and intake call
- Full written report
- Follow-up consultation by phone or telehealth
Re-evaluations (if recommended) are $270.
2. Do you accept insurance (including Medicaid)?
We are out of network with Medicaid and other commercial insurance providers. Upon request, we can file claims to your insurance as a courtesy or provide billing codes so you may file independently.
3. What does the APD evaluation involve?
We complete a comprehensive evaluation that looks at both hearing and how the brain processes sound. The process includes:
- Intake call and detailed questionnaires
- Hearing health diagnostics (to rule out hearing loss)
- A customized test battery (based on age, history, and symptoms) that may include auditory attention, sound discrimination, binaural integration and separation, auditory closure, and pattern recognition
After testing, you’ll receive a comprehensive report and a review call to discuss results, diagnosis (if applicable), and personalized recommendations.
4. What therapy or treatment options are available?
Therapy recommendations are tailored to the individual and may include:
- In-office one-on-one therapy sessions
- Virtual one-on-one therapy sessions
- Home-based, online therapy programs
- Environmental modifications (home, school, or workplace)
- Compensatory listening strategies
Dr. Ooms will discuss the best approach based on evaluation results.
5. What is the cost of therapy for APD?
Therapy costs vary depending on the type and number of programs recommended. Pricing will be reviewed in detail after the evaluation and your individualized treatment plan are created.
6. What ages do you test?
- Children: age 7 and older
- Adults: up to age 64
7. Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. If you have had a recent hearing evaluation (within the last 6 months), please share it with us before your appointment.
8. I don’t live near your office. Can I still be tested?
If you already have a recent hearing evaluation from an audiologist or ENT, we can review it to determine whether additional diagnostics are needed. Some tests may need to be repeated to ensure accuracy and completeness — that maximizes our time together in the office. Many treatment options are available virtually.
9. Why choose Elevate Audiology for APD testing?
We are one of the only providers in South Carolina specializing in advanced APD testing and the only clinic in the Upstate offering therapy. We do our best to help throughout the state making accommodations for telehealth, as well. Our goal is to provide accurate answers and practical solutions that help children and adults thrive at home, school, and work.
10. How do I get started?
The evaluation process includes three steps, typically scheduled about one week apart.
Adults
- Case history call (15 min)
- In-office evaluation (90 min)
- Consultation call (60 min)
Children
- Case history call (15 min)
- In-office evaluation (2 hours)
- Consultation call (60 min)
A $350 deposit is required to confirm all appointments.
Want to learn more first?
Request a complimentary copy of our Auditory Processing Disorder Guide by Dr. Katelyn Ooms.
Still have questions?
We’d be happy to help. Call (864) 447-6611 or email info@elevateaudiology.com to begin scheduling.
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