If a child has difficulty understanding directions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents might presume 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 share many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific evaluations and assistance. In this article, we will explore the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they require.
Comprehending Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, takes place when an individual’s ability to sense sound is decreased, often resulting from problems impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors normally diagnose patients by carrying out tests such as 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 in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing difficulties, but instead a neurological issue that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Typical challenges faced in everyday scenarios:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal instructions
- Trouble distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty focusing in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having trouble recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no issues. 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 sensed.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth assessments that go beyond standard 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 might mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Solutions
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment may include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Or, if your child is diagnosed with APD, support usually involves:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Final Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right support. 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 assessments. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and customized treatment strategy can excel academically, in their home environment, and in a variety of other aspects of their lives.
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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.