Auditory Processing Disorder
Auditory Processing Disorder is a condition of the auditory system which causes a disruption in the way an individual’s brain understands what they are hearing.
What is APD?
Auditory processing is “what the brain does with what the ears hear (Jack Katz, PhD)” Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects the brains’ ability to interpret the sounds you hear which may make it difficult to distinguish between speech sounds, understand spoken instructions, or understand in background noise. These difficulties may occur even when the individual has normal hearing ability!
What are the symptoms of APD?
Some of the symptoms of APD include but are not limited to:
- Difficulties hearing in background noise
- Reduced tolerance or hypersensitivity to noise
- Difficulties remembering what is said
- Difficulties following oral directions
- Troubles localizing where sound is coming from
- Needing silence to work or study to avoid distractions
- Difficulties with reading, spelling and writing skills
- Easily fatigued after long conversations or lectures
How is it diagnosed?
Our audiologists who specialize in APD can evaluate and diagnose through testing that involves a variety of listening tasks. A typical evaluation involves:
- Detailed case history
- A diagnostic hearing evaluation to identify any underlying hearing loss
- A variety of listening tasks to examine:
- Decoding skills
- The brain’s ability to integrate information
- Auditory memory
- Auditory organization skills
Can APD be treated?
There are many forms of effective treatment options for APD which often involves a form of auditory training. Our audiologist will work with you to create a treatment plan based on areas of difficulties and your lifestyle needs!
Better hearing for your life. Why wait?
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