Sometimes, children exhibit classic signs of hearing loss: they do not hear well, or may only understand a portion of what is being said. They experience learning difficulties, particularly in environments with lots of background noise. When multiple people are talking, they lose focus and can\u2019t follow the conversation. Parents may suspect a hearing loss, but in certain cases, the cause is a behavioral disorder known as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An estimated 5% of school-age children suffer from APD, a condition that affects their ability to process information correctly due to a disconnect between what they are hearing and how their brain responds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most children with APD don\u2019t actually have hearing loss. Studies have shown the majority are able to hear normally in quiet environments; the problem is in the way they process auditory information. Symptoms may range from mild to severe and include difficulty with any of the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Children with APD may become withdrawn, isolated and depressed. They often become disruptive and may take unnecessary risks or lash out at others. Because many of the behavioral issues closely mimic those associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other learning disabilities, an incorrect diagnosis is often made.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An audiologist can determine the exact nature of your child\u2019s issues through a routine hearing test, which will rule out any physical hearing problems by testing their ability to hear a range of frequencies. If no hearing loss is present, behavioral and electrophysiological testing is administered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If your child has been diagnosed with APD by an audiologist, they are qualified for services and accommodations at school under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Our team will help determine how your child can best be supported in class. Potential options include specific seating arrangements and written or visual instructions to supplement spoken ones. We\u2019ll also work with your child on auditory processing skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n