If a child has trouble understanding directions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in loud surroundings, parents may presume that a hearing problem is to blame. However, in some instances, the problem may not lie with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that necessitate unique assessments and interventions. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s distinct needs.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to sense sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or build-up of earwax
- 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 hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors normally diagnose patients by conducting examinations including audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to sense sound in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological issue that affects 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:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving numerous steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty focusing in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having difficulty recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A basic hearing exam might reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. But that doesn’t mean all is functioning as it should. In APD, the breakdown happens after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing exams that assess sound detection. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to assess 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, assistance usually involves:
- 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
It’s important to differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable support and accommodations. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually going on. With the correct diagnosis and individualized 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.
