If a child has difficulty understanding instructions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or appears disoriented in loud surroundings, parents may presume that a hearing issue is to blame. However, in some circumstances, the issue might not lie with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain deals with sound.
Although hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) often present with similar signs, they are distinct conditions that necessitate unique assessments and interventions. In this article, we will discover the fundamental distinctions to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Impaired auditory function, also called hearing loss, happens when an individual’s ability to perceive sound is diminished, frequently resulting from issues affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Occurs as a result of obstructions or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of 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 issues
Physicians typically make a diagnosis through conventional 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 related to hearing problems, but instead a neurological issue that affects the brain’s ability to process and understand 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 described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Typical challenges faced in everyday scenarios:
- Difficulty understanding and executing verbal instructions involving numerous steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud settings (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having trouble recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A standard hearing test may indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. In APD, the breakdown happens after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use traditional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth assessments that go beyond basic hearing tests.
Evaluations often involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning impairments that might look 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, assistance typically involves:
- 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
It’s essential to differentiate between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable support and accommodations. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real issue may only be pinpointed by more in-depth assessments. With the correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, children with either condition can thrive 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.