When a child strains to follow instructions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents might wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in certain instances, the issue might not lie 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 have several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require specific evaluations and assistance. Below, we’ll break down the main differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to detect sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs as a result of blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Physicians typically make a diagnosis through conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child has hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based issue with interpreting sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Typical obstacles faced in everyday scenarios:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal directions
- Trouble distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing exam might indicate no problems because the ears are working normally. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating correctly. In APD, the breakdown happens after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory evaluations to detect hearing impairments by evaluating an individual’s ability to sense sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that extend beyond standard hearing tests.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing capabilities
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any hidden attention or learning conditions that may imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Options for Treatment and Assistance
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 Usually Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
Some Final 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. The real problem may only be pinpointed by more in-depth assessments. Children with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment approach can succeed academically, in their home environment, and in various other aspects of their lives.
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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.
