If a child has trouble comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or seems disoriented in loud environments, parents may presume that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some situations, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with comparable signs, they are distinct conditions that necessitate unique analyses and interventions. Below, we’ll break down the main differences to help you support your child’s distinct requirements.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, happens when an individual’s ability to sense sound is diminished, frequently caused by problems impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly caused by variables 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 normally diagnose patients by conducting tests including 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 Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based problem with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving multiple steps
- Trouble differentiating similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud settings (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Having trouble recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears work normally, a conventional hearing test might come back showing no issues. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem happens not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been detected.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists employ conventional auditory evaluations to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to sense sound. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that extend beyond basic hearing evaluations.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate 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 might imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Or, if your child is diagnosed with APD, assistance typically 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 difference 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 despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real issue may only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, children with either condition can thrive in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
Contact us to learn more
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.