When a child struggles to follow instructions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents might question if hearing loss is the issue. However, in some circumstances, the issue may not lie with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that necessitate unique analyses and treatments. In this article, we will explore the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
Understanding Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, happens when a person’s capacity to perceive sound is diminished, often resulting from problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of 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
Physicians typically make a diagnosis through conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) 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 difficulties, but instead a neurological issue 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 decipher and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding and executing verbal directions involving multiple steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A standard hearing test may indicate no problems because the ears are functioning normally. But that doesn’t mean everything is working as it should. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory assessments to identify hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to sense sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that extend beyond basic hearing tests.
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 should be consulted to identify any hidden attention or learning disorders that may mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment approaches for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Support 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
It’s essential to distinguish between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most effective assistance and accommodations. If your child appears to have trouble with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A more detailed look at how they process sound could expose what’s really happening. Children with the proper diagnosis and personalized treatment approach can succeed academically, in their home environment, and in a variety of 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.
