When a child strains to follow directions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy setting, parents may question if hearing loss is the issue. However, in some circumstances, the problem might not lie with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition called auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Even though hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) frequently present with comparable signs, they are distinct conditions that require unique analyses and interventions. In this article, we will explore the key differences to help you give your child the support they need.
Comprehending Hearing Loss: A Definition.
Hearing loss describes a decreased ability to detect sound, often a result of problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
Three key classifications:
- Conductive hearing loss: Triggered by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax buildup)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly caused by factors including aging, exposure to loud noise, or genetic predisposition
- 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. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to detect sound in the first place.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder might have normal hearing, but they struggle to decipher and understand the sounds they hear.
It’s commonly referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty understanding and executing verbal directions involving numerous steps
- Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
A standard hearing exam might indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. In APD, the malfunction occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
Distinguishing Between Testing and Diagnosis
Audiologists utilize conventional auditory assessments to identify hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to perceive sound. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, requires specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- An audiologist to assess auditory processing capabilities
- A speech-language pathologist to evaluate language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that might appear similar to APD
Options 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 instructions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
APD vs. Hearing Loss: Concluding Thoughts
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is crucial for getting your child the right support. If your child appears to have difficulty with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. A more detailed look at how they process sound could expose what’s actually going on. Children with the appropriate diagnosis and personalized treatment strategy 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.