When a child strains to follow instructions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy places, parents may question if hearing loss is the problem. But in some situations, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that necessitate unique analyses and treatments. In this article, we will discover the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
Comprehending Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, takes place when an individual’s capacity to perceive sound is decreased, frequently resulting from issues impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to obstructions or injury 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 factors including aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis via conventional hearing tests like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the problem is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving numerous steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having trouble understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears work normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no issues. However, it does not mean that everything is operating correctly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the issue occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory evaluations to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to sense sound. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing capabilities
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that might look similar to APD
Options for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment options 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
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the best support. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth assessments. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, children 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.