When a child strains to follow instructions, confuses words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents might question if hearing loss is the issue. But in some situations, 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 really very different conditions that require distinct evaluations and support. In this article, we will explore the key distinctions to help you give your child the support they require.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, takes place when a person’s capacity to sense sound is diminished, often caused by issues impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary kinds:
- 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 caused by factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix 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 problem is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based problem with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Typical obstacles faced in everyday scenarios:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal instructions consisting of numerous steps
- Trouble differentiating similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having trouble understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears are working normally, a standard hearing test may come back showing no issues. But that doesn’t mean everything is functioning as it should. In APD, the malfunction happens after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing exams that assess sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, requires specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- 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 appear similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment may include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Support for Children with APD Diagnosis Typically Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
Some Final Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial 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. The real issue may only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and tailored 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.
