Person with Auditory Processing Disorder

When a child struggles to follow directions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in certain circumstances, the problem may not lie with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.

Hearing loss and APD have many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require distinct assessments and assistance. In this article, we will discover the key differences to help you give your child the support they require.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to sense sound, often a result of issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.

Three primary classifications:

  • Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax buildup)
  • Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically triggered by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
  • Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types

Physicians typically make a diagnosis via conventional hearing tests like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.

What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?

In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological issue that affects the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”

Common challenges faced in everyday situations:

  • Difficulty following multi-step verbal directions
  • Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
  • Having difficulty focusing in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
  • Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language

A basic hearing test may reveal no problems because the ears are functioning normally. But that doesn’t mean everything is functioning as it should. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.

How Testing and Diagnosis Differ

In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing exams that assess sound detection. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive assessments that extend beyond basic hearing evaluations.

Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:

  • An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing capabilities
  • A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
  • A psychologist should be consulted to identify any hidden attention or learning conditions that may mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Approaches for Treatment and Assistance

If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:

  • Hearing aids
  • Cochlear implants
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Medical or surgical interventions

Assistance for Children with APD Diagnosis Typically 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 differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable assistance and accommodations. If your child seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth assessments. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well in the classroom, at home, and beyond.

For more information, give us a call.

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.

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.