When a child strains to follow instructions, mixes up words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents might question if hearing loss is the issue. However, in certain circumstances, the issue may not lie with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD share several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific assessments and support. In this article, we will explore the key differences to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, happens when a person’s capacity to perceive sound is diminished, often caused by problems impacting 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: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through 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?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but rather a neurological problem that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Common obstacles faced in everyday situations:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving numerous steps
- Difficulty differentiating similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A standard hearing exam may reveal no issues because the ears are functioning normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating correctly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive assessments that extend beyond basic hearing tests.
Multidisciplinary teams will usually include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing capabilities
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may look similar to APD
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment may include:
- 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 directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the right support. If your child appears to have difficulty with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real problem might only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized 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.