If a child has difficulty comprehending directions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or seems disoriented in noisy environments, parents might suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some situations, the issue 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 necessitate unique analyses and treatments. In this article, we will explore the key differences to help you give your child the support they need.
Understanding Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to detect sound, often caused by issues in 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 buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly triggered by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting tests such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing problems, but instead a neurological issue that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Typical challenges faced in everyday situations:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal instructions
- Difficulty differentiating similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing test may indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating correctly. In APD, the malfunction happens after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
Audiologists employ standard auditory evaluations to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, requires specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing capabilities
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that might look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
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 typically involves:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the best support. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually happening. Children with the proper diagnosis and personalized treatment strategy can succeed academically, in their home environment, and in a variety of other aspects of their lives.
For more information, give us a call.
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.
