If a child has difficulty comprehending directions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents might presume that a hearing issue is to blame. However, in certain circumstances, the problem might not be with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD have many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require specific evaluations and support. In this article, we will discover the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
Understanding Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Hearing loss describes a reduced ability to detect sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to obstructions or injury in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically caused by factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Doctors normally diagnose patients by carrying out tests including audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to sense sound to begin with.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but instead a neurological issue that impacts the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Typical obstacles faced in everyday scenarios:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal directions
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy settings (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears work normally, a standard hearing test might come back showing no problems. However, it does not mean that everything is operating properly. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, requires specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing abilities
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that may appear similar to APD
Options 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
Support 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
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
It’s important to distinguish 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 have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem might only be identified by more in-depth evaluations. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategy can succeed academically, in their home environment, and in various other aspects of their lives.
Contact us to learn 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.