When a child struggles to follow instructions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy places, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. But in some cases, the issue might not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique assessments and treatments. Below, we’ll break down the key differences to help you support your child’s distinct needs.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, takes place when a person’s ability to perceive sound is diminished, often caused by issues affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly caused by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child has hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to sense sound to begin with.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, 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.”
Typical challenges faced in everyday scenarios:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal directions involving multiple steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing exam may indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating correctly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists employ standard auditory evaluations to detect hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to sense sound. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning disorders that might imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Options
Treatment approaches for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Or, if your child is diagnosed with APD, assistance usually involves:
- 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
It’s essential to distinguish between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable support and accommodations. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real issue might only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and individualized 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.