If a child has trouble comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or seems disoriented in noisy environments, parents might suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some cases, the issue might not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require distinct assessments and assistance. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to sense sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax accumulation)
- 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 combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis via conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing difficulties, but instead a neurological problem that affects the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving multiple steps
- Trouble differentiating similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- 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 working normally. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating properly. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory evaluations to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to sense sound. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth assessments that extend beyond basic hearing evaluations.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess 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 Options
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
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 difficulty with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real issue may only be identified 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.
