When a child struggles to follow instructions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy setting, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in some circumstances, the problem may not lie with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain deals with sound.
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique analyses and interventions. In this article, we will discover the key differences to help you give your child the support they need.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to sense sound, usually caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to blockages or injury in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to sense sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing problems, but rather a neurological issue that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal directions consisting of multiple steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty focusing in noisy settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing exam may reveal no issues because the ears are functioning normally. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been detected.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
Audiologists utilize standard auditory assessments to identify 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.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- 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 identify any underlying attention or learning conditions that may imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Options for Treatment and Assistance
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 usually involves:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the right help. If your child seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, children with either condition can do well in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
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.
