When a child strains to follow directions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents might wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in some circumstances, the problem might not lie with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with comparable signs, they are distinct conditions that necessitate unique assessments and treatments. Below, we’ll break down the main differences to help you support your child’s unique needs.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, occurs when an individual’s ability to perceive sound is diminished, frequently caused by problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens 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 hereditary predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Physicians usually make a diagnosis via standard hearing tests like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based problem with interpreting 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 carrying out verbal directions consisting of multiple steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing test might indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
Audiologists utilize standard auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that go beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain senses sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may appear 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
Or, if your child is diagnosed with APD, support typically involves:
- 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 important 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 appears to have trouble with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A deeper look at how they process sound could expose what’s actually happening. Children with the proper diagnosis and personalized treatment approach can succeed 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.