When a child strains to follow directions, confuses words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents may question 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).
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require specific assessments and assistance. Below, we’ll break down the key differences to help you support your child’s distinct requirements.
Comprehending Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, happens when an individual’s ability to sense sound is diminished, often resulting from problems impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically triggered by factors including aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors normally diagnose patients by carrying out examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based issue with interpreting sounds. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal instructions
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Having trouble concentrating in loud 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 work normally, a standard hearing test might come back revealing no problems. However, it does not mean that everything is operating correctly. 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.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists employ standard auditory evaluations to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to sense sound. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that go beyond standard hearing tests.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing abilities
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning disorders that might mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Options for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment options for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- 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
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 assistance and accommodations. If your child appears to have trouble with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A deeper look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually going on. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized 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.
