When a child strains to follow instructions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy setting, parents might question if hearing loss is the problem. But in some situations, the issue may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that demand specific evaluations and assistance. Below, we’ll break down the key differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, happens when a person’s ability to sense sound is diminished, frequently caused by problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Physicians usually make a diagnosis via standard hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal instructions consisting of numerous steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud settings (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty 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 working normally. But that doesn’t mean everything is working as it should. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem happens not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain translates 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. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, requires specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to identify any underlying attention or learning disorders that might imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Options
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 typically involves:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
It’s essential to differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable support 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 really happening. Children with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment strategy 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.