When a child struggles to follow directions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents might wonder 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 several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require distinct assessments and support. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s unique needs.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, takes place when an individual’s capacity to perceive sound is diminished, often caused by problems impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs as a result of blockages or injury in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically triggered by factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
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 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 deciphering sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty focusing in noisy 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 conventional hearing test might come back showing no issues. But that doesn’t mean all is working as it should. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize standard auditory assessments to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing abilities
- A specialist in speech and language to assess understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that might look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
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
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Final Thoughts
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the right help. If your child appears to have trouble with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth assessments. With the correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
For more information, give us a call.
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.
