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Spatial Processing Disorder

When kids can hear but aren’t taking in information

Spatial Processing Disorder is a type of auditory processing disorder. It is the inability to make use of the direction that sound is coming from. 
In a noisy environment where sound is coming from multiple directions – such as in a classroom – a child with Spatial Processing Disorder will struggle to distinguish or understand a voice that is right in front of them. That’s because their brain has trouble filtering out non-essential sounds.

Animation depicting the difference between normal directional audio focus and ambient noise that disturbs focus.

Is your child missing a lot of what they are hearing?

A child with Spatial Processing Disorder may have difficulty paying attention and following directions. They may ask for repetition a lot or simply miss things in conversation. This makes learning a challenge.

‍Because Spatial Processing Disorder symptoms can also overlap with other disorders, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), getting a correct diagnosis from an audiologist is necessary.

If your child is diagnosed with Spatial Processing Disorder, there is something you can do about it.

Sound Storm (the game)

Working with a wealth of clinical research and expertise, we've developed Sound Storm – an innovative application designed to remediate cases of Spatial Processing Disorder in school-aged children.

Sound Storm wraps the science of a clinical remediation algorithm around a fun and compelling game – one that combines multiple reward mechanics with a rich and captivating narrative.

A tablet device with the Sound Storm start screen displayed.

While progressing through the game, children who present with Spatial Processing Disorder are challenged to use spatial and binaural cues (the inter-aural timing and intensity differences which cue where sounds are coming from) to listen to target speech while filtering out distracting background noise.

Sound Storm character art of Suno the lion.

The Hero

The player follows the exciting adventures of Suno, a young brave lion, on an epic quest to save the galaxy from the destructive and chaotic Sound Storm.

As Suno progresses through the game, various rewards, powers and worlds are unlocked.

The princess

Suno’s challenge is to save the galaxy by rescuing the wise princess, Nala, who has been imprisoned by a malevolent foe.

Using her magical powers, she projects her voice to Suno, guiding him through his journey to rescue her.

Illustration of the Sound Storm princess, Nala.Illustration of the Sound Storm nemesis, Drokon.

The nemesis

The wicked Drokon, in his mission to take over the galaxy, has cruelly imprisoned the wise princess, Nala, and unleashed the powerful and destructive Sound Storm.

crafted by hand

Creating a Galaxy

Filled with numerous rich characters and unique environments, each element was hand crafted and rendered, to create a fully realised and vibrant galaxy. 

Glossia is a green, tree-filled village surrounded by tall, brown mountains.

Glossia

Harmonium is built atop a cliff-face with a waterfall that runs down it.

Harmonium

Celesta is a quaint, little village with orange trees and pebbled pathways.

Celesta

Nocturnia is a lighthouse with a crystal lighting it, in the middle of a dark, nighttime sea.

Nocturnia

Clamourania is an icy cave.

Clamourania

The Characters

Sound Storm character art of Belchero the serpent.

Snorkelo

Sound Storm character art of the wise old owl.

Wise old owl

Sound Storm character art of Sun the sailor.

Sung

Sound Storm character art of Melisma the creakin.

The creakin

Sound Storm character art of the mushroom monk.

Mushroom monk

Storytelling

Each world comes to life with an immersive narrative designed to engage the child and encourage continuous participation.

Multi-layered reward

The game also features a multilayered reward system designed to encourage kids to keep playing. Instant feedback, daily unlockables and daily and weekly rewards are combined to help unlock new worlds and progress the story.

A congratulatory screen from Sound Storm showing the end of a level.
A screen from Sound Storm showing that you have received a sound stone.
A congratulatory screen from Sound Storm showing that you have received the Soundless Sword.
A tablet device housing.

Clinical data

Game play is automatically translated into a detailed clinical graph, designed specifically to be used by Audiologists, in order to track remedial progress accurately.

A tablet device with a Sound Storm progress report displayed on its screen.

Results

“The Sound Storm app was really useful and effective and we hope it helps many more children. Big thanks to the Sound Storm team and all involved for developing it.”
“…she was falling behind in class, inattentive, and struggling to integrate. I was so relieved to learn about Sound Storm, that there was a simple cure we could start straight away.”
“The results were conclusive as his repeat test showed a huge improvement in his scores and his teacher has found him to be able to concentrate on her voice in a busy classroom.”

Download now

Download on the Apple App Store.Get it at the Google Play store.

References for Articles on the LiSN & Learn Auditory Training Software

1. Cameron, S., Glyde, H, Dillon, H., King, A., & Gillies, K. (2015). Results from a national central auditory processing disorder service: A "real world" assessment of diagnostic practices and remediation for CAPD. Seminars in Hearing, 36 (4), 216-236.

2. Lo, C., Dillon, H., Cameron, S., & McMahon, C. (2015). Evaluation of headphone effects on performance in LiSN & Learn auditory training software. ANU undergraduate research journal, 6, 147-159.

3. Cameron, S., Glyde, H., Dillon, H., Kanthan, S., & Kania, A. (2014). Prevalence and remediation of spatial processing disorder (SPD) in Indigenous children in regional Australia. International Journal of Audiology, 53, 326-335.

4. Cameron, S., & Dillon, H. (2013). Remediation of spatial processing issues in central auditory processing disorder. In G. D. Chermak & Frank E. Musiek (Eds.) Handbook of Central Auditory Processing Disorder. Comprehensive Intervention (Vol. II, pp. 201-224). San Diego, CA: Plural Publishing.

5. Cameron, S., Glyde, H. & Dillon, H. (2012). Efficacy of the LiSN & Learn auditory training software: Randomized blinded controlled study. Audiology Research, 2:e15.

6. Cameron, S., & Dillon, H. (2011). Development and Evaluation of the LiSN & Learn Auditory Training Software for Deficit-Specific Remediation of Binaural Processing Deficits in Children: Preliminary Findings. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology, 22(10), 678-696.