If a child has trouble comprehending directions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents may presume that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some cases, the issue might not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique analyses and treatments. Below, we’ll break down the key differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
Comprehending Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to detect sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to blockages or injury in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Doctors normally diagnose patients by carrying out examinations including audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing problems, but instead a neurological problem that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal instructions
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Having trouble recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no problems. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists employ conventional auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing abilities
- A specialist in speech and language to assess understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any hidden attention or learning disorders that may imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Solutions
Treatment options for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Support for Children with APD Diagnosis Usually Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
It’s essential to distinguish between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most effective support and accommodations. If your child appears to have trouble with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A deeper look at how they process sound could expose what’s really happening. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategy can excel academically, in their home environment, and in various other aspects of their lives.
Contact us to find out more
Sources:.
About Hearing Loss in Children|Hearing Loss in Children|CDC.
Auditory processing disorder (APD)– Symptoms and causes– Mayo Clinic.
Auditory Processing Disorder vs. Hearing Loss: Key Differences.
Understanding the Differences: Auditory Processing Disorder vs. Hearing Loss|Hearing.
Associates of Las Vegas.
Auditory Processing Disorder (for Parents)|Nemours KidsHealth.