If a child has difficulty understanding instructions, mixes up words with similar enunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents may presume that a hearing problem is to blame. But in some situations, the problem may not be with the ears at all: It could be a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD have many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require distinct evaluations and support. In this article, we will discover the key differences to help you give your child the support they need.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to sense sound, often caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three primary classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Happens when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly triggered by variables such as aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting examinations such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to sense sound in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based problem with interpreting sounds. Kids with APD can hear perfectly fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Common obstacles faced in everyday situations:
- Trouble understanding and executing verbal directions involving multiple steps
- Trouble distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having trouble concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misunderstanding jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
Because the ears are working normally, a conventional hearing test may come back showing no issues. But that doesn’t mean everything is functioning as it should. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem happens not with hearing the sound itself, but rather with how the brain interprets and processes the sound after it has been detected.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing exams that measure sound detection. Identifying Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that go beyond standard hearing tests.
Multidisciplinary teams will usually include:
- A hearing specialist to assess how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning disorders that may mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Treatment and Support Options
Treatment approaches for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Support for Children with APD Diagnosis Typically Includes:
- 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
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the right help. If your child appears to have trouble with listening in spite of having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real issue might only be pinpointed by more in-depth assessments. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategy can excel academically, in their home environment, and in various 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.