When a child struggles to follow directions, mixes up words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents may question if hearing loss is the issue. But in some cases, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD have many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require specific evaluations and assistance. In this article, we will discover the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to detect sound, usually a result of issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Doctors normally diagnose patients by carrying out examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to sense sound in the first place.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based problem with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal directions consisting of numerous steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Having trouble concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
Because the ears work normally, a standard hearing test may come back showing no problems. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue happens not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that go beyond standard hearing tests.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing abilities
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning conditions that might imitate 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
Support 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
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
It’s important to differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most effective assistance and accommodations. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A deeper look at how they process sound could reveal what’s really going on. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids 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.