When a child strains to follow directions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the problem. But in some situations, the issue may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD have many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require specific assessments and assistance. In this article, we will discover the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they require.
Comprehending Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to sense sound, often caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically caused by factors including aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through standard hearing tests like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological problem that impacts the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal instructions
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing exam may reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. In APD, the breakdown happens after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing exams that assess sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that extend beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning conditions that might mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Approaches 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 Typically Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Final Thoughts
It’s essential to differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most effective support and accommodations. If your child seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real issue may only be pinpointed by more in-depth assessments. With the correct diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well 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.