What Are Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)?
An auditory processing disorder (APD) may be present when someone has trouble hearing a spoken message even when their hearing tests are normal. They also may have trouble hearing instructions or sounds in a typical room setting.
What Are Some Signs of Auditory Processing Disorder?
- Trouble hearing in noisy places
- Mishearing words (white instead of wipe or wise)
- Parent or teacher concern for hearing ability
- Poor reading or spelling skills
How is Auditory Processing Disorder Diagnosed?
Specially designed tests are given in an audiology sound booth. These tests measure how the brain interprets sounds. To test for APD, a child should:
- Have normal hearing without hearing aids
- Have speech that is easily understood by others
- Be able to sit and pay attention for at least one hour (any prescribed ADHD medications should be taken the day of the appointment)
- Be able to wear headphones for at least one hour
- Be 7 to 18 years old
- Have normal cognitive function (normal IQ score above 70)
How is Auditory Processing Disorder Treated?
Specific therapy and recommendations are made based on a child’s test results. These may include:
- Hearing assistive technology (HAT) evaluation
- Speech or language evaluation
- Occupational therapy evaluation
- Educational or psychological evaluation
- Classroom accommodations
- Computer-based listening program
What Else Can Cause Listening Difficulties?
Listening is more than just hearing sounds. To really listen, we have to notice the sound, pay attention to it, and understand what it means. Listening Difficulty (LiD) can be caused by many things that are unrelated to hearing or auditory processing disorders. These other issues are important to consider because they can lead to hearing-related complaints even when the auditory system is working normally.
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – Difficulty focusing on one thing or being distracted by other thoughts, sights or sounds that make listening difficult.
- Anxiety or depression – A child may have other thoughts going through their minds that keep them from focusing on what someone is saying.
- Sensory processing issues – It can be hard to focus on listening when a child is over-stimulated by textures, sounds, lights or other sensory input.
- Language processing disorder or low cognition (IQ) – These issues may prevent a child from understanding what they hear.
- Poor working or short-term memory – Some messages can be long and complex. Memory issues can affect the ability to follow and understand the meaning of a message.
