When a child strains to follow directions, confuses words that have very similar sounds, or seems distracted in loud setting, parents might wonder if hearing loss is the problem. However, in certain instances, the issue might not be with the ears themselves, but instead with a condition known as auditory processing disorder (APD), which affects the way the brain processes sound.

Hearing loss and APD share many of the same symptoms, but they’re actually very different conditions that demand distinct evaluations and assistance. In this article, we will discover the fundamental differences to help you give your child the support they require.

What is Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss refers to a decreased ability to detect sound, usually a result of issues in the outer, middle, or inner ear.

Three primary classifications:

• Conductive hearing loss: Occurs due to obstructions or injury in the outer or middle ear, such as ear infections or accumulation of earwax
• Sensorineural hearing loss: Involves damage to the inner ear or the auditory nerve, typically caused by aging, noise exposure, or genetics
• Combination hearing loss: A mix of both outer/middle ear and inner ear issues

Doctors normally diagnose patients by conducting tests including audiograms, auditory brainstem response testing (ABR), and acoustic emission testing. If a child has hearing loss, the problem lies in their ability to sense sound to begin with.

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?

In contrast, APD is not related to hearing problems, but instead a neurological issue that affects the brain’s ability to process and understand auditory information. Kids with APD can hear just fine, but they have trouble making sense of what they hear.
It’s often described as “hearing but not understanding.”

Some common challenges include:

• Trouble understanding and executing verbal directions consisting of multiple steps
• Trouble differentiating similar sounds or words
• Struggling in noisy environments (like classrooms or restaurants)
• Having trouble understanding humor, irony, or expressions that aren’t meant to be taken literally

A standard hearing exam may reveal no problems because the ears are working normally. However, it does not indicate that everything is operating properly. In APD, the breakdown occurs after sound is sensed, during processing in the central auditory nervous system.

How Testing and Diagnosis Differ

To diagnose hearing loss, audiologists use conventional hearing exams that assess sound detection. 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 should be consulted to determine any underlying attention or learning conditions that might imitate the symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Treatment and Support Options

If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, treatment may 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

Understanding the distinction between hearing loss and auditory processing disorder is essential for getting your child the right support. If your child seems to have a hard time listening but their hearing test is normal, don’t stop there. The real problem may only be identified by more in-depth evaluations. Children with the proper diagnosis and customized treatment strategy can excel academically, in their home environment, and in a variety of other aspects of their lives.

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.