If a child has trouble understanding instructions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or seems disoriented in loud surroundings, parents may presume that a hearing issue is to blame. However, in some instances, the issue may not be with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require specific evaluations and support. In this article, we will discover the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, takes place when an individual’s capacity to perceive sound is diminished, frequently caused by issues affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically caused by factors including aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Doctors normally diagnose patients by conducting examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission 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 problems, but instead a neurological problem that impacts the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal directions
- Trouble differentiating similar sounds or words
- Having trouble concentrating in noisy settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having difficulty recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A basic hearing exam might reveal no problems because the ears are functioning normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating correctly. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
Audiologists utilize standard auditory evaluations to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth assessments that extend beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing capabilities
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that might look similar to 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
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
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right support. If your child appears to have trouble with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real issue might only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. With the correct diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, kids 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.