When a child struggles to follow instructions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy setting, parents might question if hearing loss is the issue. But in some situations, the issue might not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD share several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require distinct assessments and assistance. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s distinct needs.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, happens when a person’s capacity to perceive sound is decreased, frequently resulting from problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix 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 has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but instead a neurological issue that affects 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 understand the sounds they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Common challenges faced in everyday situations:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving numerous steps
- Trouble distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A basic hearing test might reveal no issues because the ears are working normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating properly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets 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. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive evaluations that extend beyond basic hearing evaluations.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain senses sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to identify any underlying attention or learning conditions that might imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Options
Treatment approaches for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- 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
Some Final Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
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 appears to have trouble with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A deeper look at how they process sound could reveal what’s really going on. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, children 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.