When a child struggles to follow directions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy places, parents might question if hearing loss is the issue. However, in certain circumstances, 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 deals with sound.
Hearing loss and APD share several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that demand specific assessments and assistance. In this article, we will explore the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to sense sound, usually a result of issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly triggered by variables including aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians typically make a diagnosis via conventional hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to detect sound in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological issue that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal instructions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy settings (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test might come back revealing no problems. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been detected.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
Audiologists employ standard auditory assessments to identify hearing impairments by evaluating 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 evaluate auditory processing capabilities
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may appear similar to APD
Options 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
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
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 right support. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real issue might 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.
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.