If a child has difficulty comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents may presume that a hearing problem is to blame. However, in some instances, the problem might not lie with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that demand specific assessments and support. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Hearing loss describes a reduced ability to detect sound, usually a result of problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through conventional 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 sense sound in the first place.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but rather a neurological issue that impacts 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 often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Common obstacles faced in everyday situations:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving multiple steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Having trouble focusing in noisy settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test may come back revealing no problems. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating correctly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem happens not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing exams that assess sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that go beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Multidisciplinary teams will usually include:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing abilities
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any hidden attention or learning conditions that may mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Options 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
Some Final Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the best help. If your child seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem might only be identified by more in-depth assessments. Children with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment strategy can excel 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.