Auditory Processing Disorders can negatively impact the brain’s ability to interpret sounds, resulting in a frustrating listening experience for individuals with the condition. Better understanding of APD is needed, as well as possible treatment options.
According to the Academy of Doctors of Audiology, auditory processing disorders (APDs) are referred to by many names: central auditory processing disorders, auditory perceptual disorders, and central auditory disorders.
Broadly explained, auditory processing disorders negatively impact the brain’s ability to interpret sounds. Individuals with auditory processing disorders may not perceive subtle differences in sounds of words even though the sounds are loud enough. That means no matter how loud the volume is turned up on an individual’s hearing aids, or the volume on the TV, the individual can’t understand what’s being said any better. This problem becomes more noticeable in noisy or challenging listening environments, or when listening to complex information.
Signs and Symptoms of an Auditory Processing Disorder
Individuals with APD often report problems hearing in background noise, in rooms that echo and/or other less-than-ideal listening situations.
These patients often need more time to process auditory instructions, they “mishear” information and look for visual cues to help fill in the missing auditory information. All of this can result in a frustrating listening experience for the individual with APD and with their conversation partner.
Who APD Affects
APD is common in older adults, particularly when hearing loss is present. Issues such as neurological disorders including stroke, tumors, degenerative diseases (such as multiple sclerosis), and head trauma can contribute to APD.
How Auditory Processing Disorder Affects an Individual’s Life
Auditory processing disorders make communication more challenging overall for adults with the problem and may lead to decreased communication due to frustration. This can result in social isolation, a tragic consequence of hearing loss and APD.
Diagnosing an Auditory Processing Disorder
APD is generally diagnosed by a doctoral-level audiologist. To properly diagnose the condition, the audiologist needs to perform special tests. Ironically, some individuals with APD can pass standard hearing tests because standard hearing tests are designed to test the quietest sounds one can hear and are performed in a sound-proof booth.
The problems an individual with APD has typically are more apparent in complex listening environments, such as in noisy rooms or restaurants where there is significant background noise, or in situations where it’s difficult to see a conversation partner’s facial expressions, which can give conversation context. In addition, APD may be present with or without hearing loss.
Treating APD
Although APD treatment is usually determined based on its likely cause, a variety of treatment approaches may be recommended. These approaches can include medical treatment, hearing aids, assistive listening devices, auditory training, and special listening strategies. Treatment strategies are usually provided by audiologists, though other medical professionals may help as needed.
For those who wear hearing aids but still have problems understanding speech, Associated Audiologists has found that assistive listening devices such as the Widex Sound Assist or the Roger FM are wireless microphones that have proven to be especially helpful for those who experience poor speech clarity, a greater degree of hearing loss, or anyone who needs to hear well from a distance.
These devices are small and can be hand-held, bringing the sounds the individual wants to hear closer to the ears and filtering background noise out.
All the person with APD has to do is ask their conversation partner to clip the mic on or wear it on a lanyard around their neck. The sound is then transmitted directly to the hearing aids, reducing competing noise so the individual can understand their conversation partner more clearly.
Associated Audiologists also works with other medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and rehabilitation of APD.
If you or a family member thinks you may have an auditory processing disorder, to learn more schedule an appointment with a doctoral-level audiologist for a diagnostic hearing evaluation.
