If a child has trouble comprehending directions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or seems disoriented in loud surroundings, parents might presume that a hearing problem is to blame. However, in certain circumstances, the issue may not be with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require specific evaluations and assistance. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s unique requirements.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to sense sound, often caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including 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
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through 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?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based issue with interpreting sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may 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:
- Difficulty understanding and carrying out verbal instructions involving numerous steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Having trouble focusing in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A basic hearing test might indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. But that doesn’t mean all is working as it should. In APD, the malfunction happens after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing exams that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, however, requires specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
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 might appear similar to 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
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 Final Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the best support. 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. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment approach 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.