If a child has trouble understanding directions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy environments, parents may presume that a hearing issue is to blame. But in some cases, the issue might not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
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 explore the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to detect sound, usually a result of issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs 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 genetic predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors normally diagnose patients by conducting examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based problem with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Typical challenges faced in everyday scenarios:
- Difficulty understanding and executing verbal instructions involving multiple steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in noisy settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having trouble recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A basic hearing test might reveal no problems because the ears are functioning normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating properly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem happens not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing capabilities
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that might appear similar to APD
Approaches 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
Some Final 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 reliable assistance and accommodations. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem might only be identified by more in-depth evaluations. With the correct 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.