When a child strains to follow directions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud places, parents may question if hearing loss is the issue. But in some cases, the issue might not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique analyses and interventions. Below, we’ll break down the key differences to help you support your child’s unique needs.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, happens when a person’s ability to perceive sound is diminished, often resulting from problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs as a result of blockages or injury 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 due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis via standard hearing tests like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing problems, but rather a neurological problem that affects the brain’s ability to process and understand 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 executing verbal instructions involving multiple steps
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty focusing in noisy settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing exam may reveal no problems because the ears are functioning normally. But that doesn’t mean everything is working as it should. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing tests that assess sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, requires specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
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 to rule out attention or learning differences that might appear similar to APD
Options 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
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
It’s essential to distinguish between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable assistance and accommodations. If your child appears to have trouble with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A deeper look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually going on. Children with the proper diagnosis and personalized treatment approach can succeed academically, in their home environment, and in a variety of other aspects of their lives.
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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.