When a child strains to follow instructions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents may wonder if hearing loss is the problem. However, in certain instances, the problem might not lie with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain deals with sound.
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require specific assessments and assistance. In this article, we will explore the key differences to help you give your child the support they require.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to detect sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear (like ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians typically make a diagnosis via standard 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 Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with 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 often described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having trouble concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
Because the ears work normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no issues. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is detected, 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 assess sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth assessments that go beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing abilities
- A specialist in speech and language to evaluate understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may look similar to 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, assistance usually involves:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Final Thoughts
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential 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. A deeper look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually going on. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, kids with either condition can thrive in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
For more information, give us a call.
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.