When a child struggles to follow directions, confuses words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy setting, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. But in some situations, the issue may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD share several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that demand specific assessments and assistance. In this article, we will discover the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, takes place when a person’s capacity to perceive sound is decreased, frequently caused by issues impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the problem is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal instructions
- Trouble differentiating similar sounds or words
- Having trouble 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 work normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no issues. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating correctly. In APD, the malfunction occurs 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 tests that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing capabilities
- A specialist in speech and language to assess understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist should be consulted to identify any underlying attention or learning disorders that may mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Options
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, assistance 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: Concluding Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right support. If your child appears to have difficulty 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 actually going on. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment approach can succeed academically, in their home environment, and in various 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.
