When a child strains to follow instructions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents may question if hearing loss is the problem. However, in some circumstances, the issue might not be with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific evaluations and assistance. In this article, we will discover the key distinctions to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to detect sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix 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 problem is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but instead 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 decipher and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal instructions
- Trouble distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having trouble recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A standard hearing exam may indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating properly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize standard auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to sense sound. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain senses sound
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that might look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
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 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 right support. If your child appears to have difficulty with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth assessments. With the right 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.
