When a child strains to follow directions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy setting, parents may question if hearing loss is the issue. But in some situations, 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 demand specific assessments and support. In this article, we will explore the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, happens when a person’s ability to perceive sound is diminished, often caused by problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Physicians typically make a diagnosis via conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but instead a neurological problem that impacts the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Common challenges faced in everyday scenarios:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing test may reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
Audiologists employ conventional auditory assessments to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to sense sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive assessments that go beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain senses sound
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that might look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Options
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- 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 instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the best help. If your child appears to have difficulty with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A deeper look at how they process sound could expose what’s actually happening. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment approach can excel academically, in their home environment, and in various other aspects of their lives.
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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.