When a child strains to follow instructions, mixes up words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents might wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in certain circumstances, the issue might not lie with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that demand specific assessments and support. In this article, we will discover the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to detect sound, usually caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to obstructions or injury in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly caused by factors including aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors normally diagnose patients by conducting examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological issue that affects the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher 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 numerous steps
- Trouble distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no issues. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists employ standard auditory assessments to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth assessments that go beyond basic hearing tests.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing abilities
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- 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 directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
It’s essential to distinguish between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most effective support and accommodations. If your child seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could expose what’s actually happening. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, children with either condition can thrive 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.
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