When a child struggles to follow directions, confuses words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. But in some cases, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require specific evaluations and support. Below, we’ll break down the main differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, occurs when an individual’s ability to perceive sound is decreased, frequently resulting from issues impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens as a result of obstructions or injury in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Physicians usually make a diagnosis via conventional hearing tests like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing problems, but instead a neurological issue that affects the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Typical obstacles faced in everyday situations:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal directions consisting of multiple steps
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having trouble concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears work normally, a standard hearing test may come back revealing no issues. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue happens not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory evaluations to detect hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to sense sound. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive assessments that go beyond standard hearing tests.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing capabilities
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may appear similar to APD
Treatment and Support Options
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment may include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Assistance 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
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the best support. If your child appears to have trouble with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A more detailed look at how they process sound could expose what’s actually happening. With the correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids with either condition can thrive in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
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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.