If a child has difficulty comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy environments, parents may suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. However, in some 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 processes sound.
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique analyses and treatments. In this article, we will explore the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, takes place when a person’s ability to sense sound is diminished, frequently resulting from problems impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to blockages or injury in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly triggered by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors normally diagnose patients by carrying out examinations including audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to sense sound in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but instead 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 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 focusing in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing exam might reveal no problems 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 instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been detected.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory assessments to identify hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain interprets sound
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may appear similar to APD
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment approaches for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Assistance for Children with APD Diagnosis Usually Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
It’s important 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 have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually happening. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well 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.