by Ashima Verma

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is that sneaky little gremlin that loves to mess with how your brain processes sounds, turning simple conversations into elaborate brain teasers. People who have APD will generally complain about things like having trouble understanding what people say in background noise or in a busy place, or getting the lyrics wrong in music. People with APD do not necessarily have hearing loss. In fact, many people with APD have normal audiograms!

Traditional hearing tests, like audiograms, can indicate normal hearing levels, but they don’t always capture the full picture of a person’s listening abilities. This can be especially frustrating for those with APD, as their difficulties aren’t reflected in standard hearing assessments. In the grand hierarchy of hearing, it’s not just about detecting sounds; it’s also about telling the sounds apart, recognizing them, and finally understanding them.

How common is auditory processing disorder?

In the U.S., it is estimated that 5% of school-age children, or 2.5 million children, have APD. It is also a very common secondary diagnosis for people with autism; most people who are diagnosed with autism have APD or auditory difficulties.

Imagine being a child who has trouble understanding what’s being said, even though their hearing is perfectly normal. Without awareness of APD, these children are often misunderstood, accused of not paying attention, or even thought to be pretending. This lack of understanding can lead to frustration and missed opportunities for support, leaving them feeling isolated and misunderstood.

Unfortunately, many children with APD grow up without ever receiving a diagnosis, continuing to face challenges into adulthood. Recognizing and understanding APD is crucial to provide these individuals with the support and validation they need. By raising awareness about the disorder, we can help ensure that those affected receive the understanding and assistance necessary to thrive in their daily lives, rather than struggling in silence.

Let’s dive in and uncover what APD is all about

Individuals with auditory processing disorder may not perceive subtle differences in the sounds of words, even though the sounds are loud enough. This challenge becomes especially noticeable in noisy settings or when someone with APD is trying to decipher complex information. People who have APD can also have problems with memory, learning, communication, and emotional regulation.

The predisposition of Auditory Processing Disorder varies from person to person, but APD often overlaps with other well-known disorders, such as ADD/ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and speech and language disorders. Children with APD often display a combination of various symptoms.

Common signs of Audio Processing Disorder

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in noisy environments
• Challenges in following multi-step directions that are given verbally without visual aids
• Being easily distracted by loud or sudden sounds
• Trouble remembering or summarizing verbally presented information
• Struggles with reading, spelling, and writing compared to their peers, often performing below grade level
• Difficulty following abstract thoughts or ideas
• Misunderstanding jokes, idioms, and figurative language

What causes Auditory Processing Disorder?

In adults, neurological disorders, strokes, tumors, degenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis, and head trauma, can contribute to auditory processing disorder (APD) (Musiek, 2009).

Several risk factors are associated with APD incidence, including chronic ear infections, premature and/or traumatic birth history, seizure disorders/epilepsy, lead poisoning, stroke, and meningitis (Musiek and Chermak, 2009).

Several studies have found an increased APD incidence in blast-exposed veterans with clinically normal hearing.

Children with more well-recognized developmental learning disabilities have also been found to have auditory processing disorders.

Testing for Auditory Processing Disorder

Testing for APD focuses on key skills required for listening and understanding language. The audiologist performs a series of advanced listening tests in which you listen to different sounds and respond when you hear them.

May also do various electrophysiological tests to measure how your brain reacts to sounds. A very promising electrophysiological test called a Frequency Following Response is currently being used in research and also by some clinicians.

Treatment for Auditory Processing Disorder

While there is no cure for APD, treatment can help a lot. Treatment varies from person to person and also by age. APD in children and adults is often managed by a team of multidisciplinary professionals such as audiologists, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and teachers.

APD treatment is typically tailored to address the underlying cause of the disorder, and various treatment methods might be suggested. These methods can include medical interventions, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, auditory training, and specialized listening strategies. Improving skills such as memory and problem-solving can also be beneficial for managing APD.

Conclusion

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is key to providing the right support and strategies for those affected by it. While APD can present unique challenges, awareness and proper management can empower individuals to overcome these difficulties and thrive in their daily lives.

Do you have experience with audio processing disorder, or do you know someone who has? Please feel free to share your experiences with us in the comments below, or send us an email: webmaster@hearingloss-wa.org.

About the Author

Ashima Verma is an audiologist with a passion for advancing hearing health and helping individuals with hearing loss. With experience in clinical audiology, she is currently exploring PhD programs to further her expertise and contribute to the field.