If a child has difficulty comprehending directions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents may presume that a hearing issue is to blame. However, in certain instances, the problem may not be with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as 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 actually very different conditions that require specific evaluations and assistance. In this article, we will explore the key differences to help you give your child the support they need.
Comprehending Hearing Impairment: A Definition.
Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, occurs when an individual’s capacity to perceive sound is decreased, frequently resulting from problems affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by obstructions 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 typically triggered by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues
Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting examinations including audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
In contrast, APD is not associated with hearing problems, but rather a neurological issue that impacts the brain’s ability to process and comprehend auditory information. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Typical obstacles faced in everyday situations:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal directions consisting of multiple steps
- Struggling to differentiate between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud environments (including classrooms or restaurants)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A standard hearing test may reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. However, it does not mean that everything is operating correctly. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem happens not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been sensed.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that may appear similar to APD
Treatment and Support Options
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
Some Concluding Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right help. 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 expose what’s actually going on. Children with the proper diagnosis and personalized treatment strategy can excel 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.