If a child has trouble comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or seems disoriented in noisy environments, parents might presume that a hearing issue is to blame. However, in some instances, the problem might not be with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain deals with sound.
Hearing loss and APD share several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific evaluations and support. In this article, we will explore the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to sense sound, often caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically caused by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors usually diagnose patients by carrying out examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission 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 related to hearing problems, but rather a neurological issue that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Typical challenges faced in everyday situations:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving multiple steps
- Trouble differentiating 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
Because the ears are working normally, a standard hearing test might come back revealing no issues. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will usually include:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain senses sound
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist should be consulted to identify any hidden attention or learning conditions that may mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Solutions
Treatment options for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Assistance for Children with APD Diagnosis Typically Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the best 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 identified by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, children with either condition can thrive 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.