If a child has trouble comprehending instructions, mixes up words with similar pronunciations, or appears disoriented in noisy surroundings, parents might suspect 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 share several of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand distinct assessments and assistance. In this article, we will explore the key distinctions to help you give your child the support they require.

What is Hearing Loss?

Impaired auditory function, also known as hearing loss, takes place when an individual’s ability to sense sound is decreased, frequently caused by issues affecting the outer, middle, or inner ear.

There are three primary kinds:

• Conductive hearing loss: Happens as a result of obstructions or injury in the outer or middle ear, including ear infections or build-up of earwax
• Sensorineural hearing loss: Occurs when there is damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, which is typically caused by variables including aging, exposure to loud noise, or hereditary predisposition
• Combination hearing loss: A blend of both outer/middle ear and inner ear problems

Doctors usually diagnose patients by conducting tests such as audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. When a child experiences hearing loss, the issue is with their capacity to perceive sound at all.

What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Mean?

APD, on the other hand, is not a hearing issue; it’s a brain-based problem with deciphering 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:

• Difficulty following multi-step verbal instructions
• Struggling to distinguish between similar sounds or words
• Having trouble concentrating in loud settings (such as schools or busy eateries)
• Misinterpreting jokes, sarcasm, or figurative language

A standard hearing test might indicate no issues because the ears are working normally. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.

Differentiating Between Testing and Diagnosis

To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing exams that measure sound detection. Diagnosing APD, however, calls for specialized testing that exceeds detecting sound.

Evaluations frequently involve a multidisciplinary team, including:

• An audiologist to evaluate auditory processing abilities
• A speech-language pathologist to assess language comprehension and communication
• A psychologist should be consulted to determine any hidden attention or learning conditions that might mimic the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (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 effective assistance and accommodations. If your child appears to have difficulty with listening despite having a normal hearing test, continue to explore further. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth assessments. With the correct diagnosis and tailored treatment plan, kids with either condition can thrive 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.