If a child has difficulty comprehending directions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in loud environments, parents may suspect that a hearing problem is to blame. However, in some instances, the problem may not lie with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD have many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require distinct evaluations and assistance. 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, happens when a person’s ability to sense sound is decreased, frequently caused by problems impacting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs as a result of obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Doctors usually diagnose patients by carrying out tests such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the issue lies in their ability to detect sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing difficulties, but rather a neurological issue that impacts 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 often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty differentiating similar sounds or words
- Having difficulty concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing exam may reveal no issues because the ears are functioning normally. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists employ standard auditory evaluations to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to sense sound. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that extend beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Multidisciplinary teams will usually include:
- 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 may look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- 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
Some Concluding 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 assistance and accommodations. If your child appears to have trouble with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real issue may only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well 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.