When a child strains to follow instructions, mixes up words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy places, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in some circumstances, the problem may not be with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with comparable signs, they are distinct conditions that necessitate unique analyses and interventions. In this article, we will discover the key differences to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to detect sound, often a result of problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to blockages or injury in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs 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
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through standard hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based issue with interpreting sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might 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.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble understanding and executing verbal instructions consisting of multiple steps
- Struggling to differentiate between 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
A standard hearing exam might reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. But that doesn’t mean all is working as it should. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been detected.
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 assessments that go beyond basic hearing tests.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain senses sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Options
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment may include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Or, if your child is diagnosed with APD, support typically involves:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
It’s important to distinguish 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 struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A deeper look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually happening. Children with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment approach can excel academically, in their home environment, and in a variety of other aspects of their lives.
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.
