If a child has difficulty understanding instructions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents may suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. However, in some instances, the problem might not be with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD share several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require distinct evaluations and assistance. In this article, we will discover the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they require.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, takes place when a person’s ability to sense sound is diminished, frequently caused by issues impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to blockages or injury in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically triggered by factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Physicians typically make a diagnosis via standard hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the problem is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological problem that affects the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving numerous steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in noisy settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test might come back showing no problems. However, it does not mean that everything is operating properly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue happens not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been detected.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing exams that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing capabilities
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning conditions that might mimic 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 Typically Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
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. A more detailed look at how they process sound could expose what’s really going on. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, children 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.
