When a child strains to follow directions, mixes up words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in noisy setting, parents might wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in some instances, the issue may not lie with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re really very different conditions that require specific evaluations and assistance. Below, we’ll analyze the main differences to help you support your child’s distinct needs.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss describes a reduced ability to sense sound, often caused by problems in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main kinds:
- Conductive hearing loss: Caused by blockages or damage in the outer or middle ear (including ear infections or wax accumulation)
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is commonly caused by variables including aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
- Mixed hearing loss: A mix of conductive and sensorineural types
Physicians usually make a diagnosis through standard hearing assessments like audiograms, otoacoustic emissions, or auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to sense sound to begin with.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based problem 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 described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Some common challenges include:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Having trouble concentrating in noisy settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing test might reveal no issues because the ears are functioning normally. But that doesn’t mean everything is functioning as it should. In Auditory Processing Disorder, the problem occurs not with hearing the sound itself, but instead with how the brain translates and processes the sound after it has been detected.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing tests that assess sound detection. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Multidisciplinary teams will typically include:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain interprets sound
- A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that may look similar to APD
Treatment and Support Solutions
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- 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: Final Thoughts
It’s important to distinguish between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder in order to provide your child with the most reliable assistance and accommodations. If your child seems to struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. A more detailed look at how they process sound could reveal what’s actually happening. Children with the proper 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.