If a child has difficulty comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or seems disoriented in noisy environments, parents may suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. However, in certain circumstances, the issue might not be with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain deals with sound.
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific evaluations and support. In this article, we will explore the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to sense sound, usually a result of problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly caused by variables including aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors usually diagnose patients by carrying out tests 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 detect sound in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal instructions
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Having trouble focusing in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing exam might reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating properly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue happens not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been detected.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing abilities
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- 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
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- 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 distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right help. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth assessments. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment approach can excel 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.