If a child has difficulty understanding directions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy environments, parents might presume that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some situations, the issue might not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that demand specific assessments and assistance. Below, we’ll analyze the key differences to help you support your child’s distinct needs.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Hearing loss describes a reduced ability to detect sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax buildup)
- 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 genetic predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through standard hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the problem is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but rather a neurological problem that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding and executing verbal directions consisting of multiple steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy settings (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test may come back revealing no problems. However, it does not mean that everything is operating correctly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been detected.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
Audiologists employ conventional auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive assessments that go beyond standard hearing tests.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that might appear similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Or, if your child is diagnosed with APD, assistance 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
It’s important to differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable support and accommodations. If your child appears to have trouble with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A more detailed look at how they process sound could reveal what’s really happening. Children with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment strategy can excel academically, in their home environment, and in various 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.