When a child strains to follow directions, confuses words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy places, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. But in some cases, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique assessments and interventions. In this article, we will explore the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to detect sound, usually caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Physicians usually make a diagnosis via conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to sense sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based problem with interpreting sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy settings (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Having trouble understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears work normally, a standard hearing test may come back showing no problems. But that doesn’t mean all is working as it should. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
Audiologists utilize standard auditory evaluations to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that extend beyond standard hearing tests.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain senses sound
- A specialist in speech and language to assess understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that might look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Options
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Assistance for Children with APD Diagnosis Usually Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Final Thoughts
It’s essential to distinguish between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most effective assistance and accommodations. If your child appears to have difficulty with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real issue might only be identified by more in-depth assessments. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, children with either condition can do well 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.
