If a child has difficulty understanding instructions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy environments, parents may suspect that a hearing issue is to blame. But in some cases, the issue may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific assessments and support. In this article, we will discover the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they require.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to sense sound, usually a result of problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs as a result of obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Doctors usually 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?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based problem with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Typical obstacles faced in everyday situations:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal directions consisting of numerous steps
- Difficulty differentiating similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
Because the ears work normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no problems. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating properly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been detected.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth assessments that extend beyond basic hearing tests.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing abilities
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to identify any hidden attention or learning disorders that may mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment may 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 directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the best help. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could reveal what’s really happening. With the correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, children with either condition can thrive in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
Contact us to find out 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.