If a child has trouble understanding directions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy environments, parents might presume that a hearing issue is to blame. But in some situations, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder 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 interventions. In this article, we will discover the key differences to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss describes a reduced ability to sense sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly triggered 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 usually diagnose patients by carrying out examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological problem 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 interpret and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal directions
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy settings (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears are working normally, a standard hearing test might come back showing no problems. In APD, the breakdown happens after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists employ standard auditory assessments to identify hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations 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 evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to identify any hidden attention or learning conditions that might imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment options for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- 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 directions)
- 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 assistance and accommodations. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A deeper look at how they process sound could reveal what’s really going on. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, kids with either condition can thrive 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.
