If a child has difficulty understanding directions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or seems disoriented in loud surroundings, parents might suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some cases, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique assessments and treatments. Below, we’ll break down the key differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, takes place when an individual’s capacity to perceive sound is diminished, often caused by issues affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens as a result of obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting examinations including 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 Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Common challenges faced in everyday situations:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal instructions consisting of multiple steps
- Trouble distinguishing 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 might reveal no issues because the ears are working normally. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing exams that measure sound detection. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that extend beyond basic hearing tests.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain senses sound
- A specialist in speech and language to assess understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning conditions that might mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Options for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment approaches 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, assistance usually 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 help. If your child appears to have difficulty with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real problem may only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
Contact us to learn more
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.