Key Takeaways:

• Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is different from hearing loss. Individuals with APD may hear sounds within the normal range but have difficulty deciphering what they hear.
• Diagnosing APD involves ruling out other etiologies that can interfere with focus, concentration, or attention.
• Audiologists who specialize in APD testing play a key role in the diagnosis, once other possibilities have been ruled out.
• Treatment can include an FM system or preferential seating for children in a classroom to improve signal-to-noise ratio.

What is APD?

Hearing is complex and involves an intricate chain of events that begins at the outer ear and travels up (our full guide to hearing and the brain here).

Sometimes, the ear picks up sounds or speech, but the brain has trouble deciphering their meaning. This disconnect between the ears and the brain is often diagnosed as APD.

When someone with Auditory Processing Disorder hears speech, their brain does not combine or understand the speech in the same ways as someone without APD. Because of this, APD is often first noticed in childhood.

Someone with APD could have excellent results on their hearing tests but struggle to grasp conversations, miss instructions, or ask people to repeat themselves.

APD is not an indication of intelligence.

It is critical to highlight that people with APD can understand complex concepts when they receive them in other ways, such as through reading or if a speaker talks slowly and there is no background noise.

APD does not affect a person’s intelligence. However, strategies and accommodations are required for those with APD to thrive.

Conclusion

For those who struggle with speech understanding, it’s essential to know that there are strategies and support that can make a big difference.

If you suspect you or someone you know may have Auditory Processing Disorder, make an appointment with an audiologist today.

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