When a child strains to follow directions, mixes up words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. But in some cases, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand distinct assessments and assistance. In this article, we will explore the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they need.
Understanding Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to sense sound, usually a result of problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically caused by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Doctors usually diagnose patients by carrying out examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the problem is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but instead a neurological problem that affects the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may 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 involving multiple steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud settings (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A basic hearing exam might indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. But that doesn’t mean all is working as it should. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs 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 employ conventional auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that extend beyond standard hearing evaluations.
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 determine any hidden 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: Concluding Thoughts
It’s important to differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most effective assistance 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 going on. With the correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids 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.
