When a child strains to follow directions, 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 may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that demand specific evaluations and support. In this article, we will explore the key distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
Understanding Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, happens when a person’s capacity to perceive sound is decreased, often caused by problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three primary types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly triggered by factors such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic 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 suffers from hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to detect sound in the first place.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
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. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal instructions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing test might reveal no problems because the ears are functioning normally. But that doesn’t mean everything is working as it should. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Differ
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more extensive assessments that extend beyond basic hearing evaluations.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing abilities
- 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
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
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 usually involves:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written directions)
- 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 seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A deeper look at how they process sound could expose what’s actually going on. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and customized treatment strategy 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.
