When a child strains to follow instructions, confuses words that have similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents might wonder if hearing loss is the issue. However, in certain circumstances, the problem might not be with the ears themselves, but rather with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which impacts the way the brain processes sound.
Hearing loss and APD have several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that require distinct evaluations and support. Below, we’ll break down the main differences to help you support your child’s distinct needs.
What is Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss refers to a reduced ability to sense sound, usually caused by issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.
There are three main types:
- Conductive hearing loss: Happens due to obstructions 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, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
- Mixed hearing loss: A combination of conductive and sensorineural types
Doctors normally diagnose patients by conducting tests including audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child suffers from hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to detect sound in the first place.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
APD, conversely, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based issue with deciphering sounds. Children with Auditory Processing Disorder may have normal hearing, but they struggle to interpret and comprehend the sounds they hear.
It’s often referred to as “perceiving sounds without grasping their meaning.”
Some common challenges include:
- Difficulty following multi-step verbal directions
- Difficulty distinguishing similar sounds or words
- Struggling in loud environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
- Having difficulty recognizing humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally
Because the ears are working normally, a standard hearing test may come back revealing no issues. 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
Audiologists utilize standard auditory evaluations to detect hearing impairments by assessing an individual’s ability to sense sound. Diagnosing APD, on the other hand, calls for specialized testing that goes beyond detecting sound.
Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:
- A hearing specialist to evaluate how the brain interprets sound
- A specialist in speech and language to assess understanding and expression skills
- A psychologist to rule out attention or learning differences that might appear similar to APD
Options for Treatment and Assistance
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment might include:
- Hearing aids
- Cochlear implants
- Assistive listening devices
- Medical or surgical interventions
Support for Children with APD Diagnosis Usually Includes:
- Speech-language therapy
- Classroom accommodations (e.g., seating changes, written directions)
- Environmental modifications to reduce background noise
- Auditory processing therapy
Some Final Thoughts About Hearing Loss vs. APD
It’s important 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 struggle with listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem might only be pinpointed by more in-depth evaluations. With the right diagnosis and individualized treatment plan, kids with either condition can do well in the classroom, at home, and beyond.
For more information, give us a call.
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.
