You’re not alone if you’ve ever found yourself straining to follow a conversation, especially in noisy places. For many adults, hearing trouble doesn’t always mean hearing loss; it could be a lesser-known condition called auditory processing disorder (APD).
At first glance, APD can seem nearly identical to traditional hearing loss. However, the causes and solutions differ, and so do the treatments. Understanding what sets them apart is the first step toward getting the right help.
What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
Unlike hearing loss, which usually involves damage to the inner ear, APD happens when the brain struggles to interpret the sounds it hears. This can make it difficult to understand words, especially when there’s background noise or multiple people talking.
Because it affects the part of the brain that processes how you hear, it’s not an issue related to how well your ears can pick up sound waves. That means the right treatment methods depend on a proper diagnosis.
APD risk factors include stroke, head trauma, repeated ear infections and low birthweight.
Symptoms of APD
Common symptoms include difficulty:
- Identifying where sounds originate.
- Understanding spoken words in a noisy environment.
- Following complex instructions.
- Learning a new language.
- Comprehending and recalling spoken information.
How is APD Diagnosed?
Assessments can be comprehensive and may depend on a variety of tests, including medical and developmental history. These often include:
- Medical and medication history
- Surgical history, particularly concerning otologic (ear-related) issues.
- Neurologic history
- Coexisting disabilities
- Auditory complaints
- Audiologic evaluations
When to Seek Treatment
Schedule an appointment with a medical professional whenever you have trouble hearing or understanding what you hear. An audiologist with Decibel Hearing Services can help diagnose your condition and determine whether it’s APD, traditional hearing loss, or due to another cause entirely.
Although APD does not have a cure, it can be treated. Treatment plans may include environmental modifications, assistive listening devices, treatment of any comorbid conditions and auditory training. Several studies have shown that different auditory training methods can positively impact speech intelligibility for people with APD.