When a child struggles to follow instructions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents may question if hearing loss is the problem. But in some cases, the issue may not be with the ears at all: It could be a disorder called auditory processing disorder (APD).
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand specific assessments and support. Below, we’ll analyze the key differences to help you support your child’s unique needs.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to detect sound, often a result of 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 accumulation of earwax
- Sensorineural hearing loss: Consists of damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, often due to aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems
Doctors usually diagnose patients by carrying out tests such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the problem is with their ability to perceive sound at all.
What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?
APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing problem; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have difficulty making sense of what they hear.
It’s frequently described as “hearing but not understanding.”
Typical obstacles faced in everyday situations:
- Trouble following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language
A basic hearing test may reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. But that doesn’t mean everything is functioning as it should. In APD, the breakdown happens after sound is detected, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.
How Testing and Diagnosis Vary
In order to diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing tests that measure sound detection. Pinpointing Auditory Processing Disorder involves more in-depth evaluations that extend beyond standard hearing evaluations.
Evaluations often 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 should be consulted to identify any hidden attention or learning conditions that may imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Approaches for Treatment and Assistance
Treatment approaches for children with hearing loss diagnosis:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Assistance for Children with APD Diagnosis Usually Includes:
- 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
Understanding the difference between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential 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 really happening. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, children with either condition can do well in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
Contact us to learn more
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.