When a child struggles to follow directions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents might wonder if hearing loss is the problem. However, in some circumstances, the problem may not be with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain deals with sound.
Hearing loss and APD have many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific assessments and support. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s unique needs.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, takes place when a person’s capacity to perceive sound is decreased, frequently caused by issues affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax buildup)
- 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
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting tests such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child has hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to detect sound in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not related to hearing difficulties, but instead a neurological problem that affects the brain’s ability to process and comprehend 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:
- Trouble understanding and executing verbal directions involving multiple steps
- Difficulty differentiating similar sounds or words
- Struggling in noisy environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing exam might indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem happens not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing exams that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain senses sound
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist should be consulted to identify any hidden attention or learning conditions that may imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment options for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Assistance for Children with APD Diagnosis Usually Includes:
- 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 difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right support. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could reveal what’s really going on. Children with the proper diagnosis and personalized 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.