If a child has trouble comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents might suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some cases, the issue may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with comparable signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique analyses and treatments. Below, we’ll break down the main differences to help you support your child’s distinct requirements.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to detect sound, usually caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically caused by factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but instead a neurological issue that affects 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.”
Common challenges faced in everyday situations:
- Trouble understanding and executing verbal directions consisting of numerous steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty focusing in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- 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 problems. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating properly. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that go beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- A hearing specialist to assess 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 conditions that may mimic 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, assistance usually 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
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right help. If your child seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could expose what’s actually happening. With the correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well 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.