What is Auditory Processing Disorder (ADP)?
APD occurs when the brain struggles to understand sounds. This can happen for different reasons. Hearing loss is one reason. Attention disorders can also play a role. People with autism spectrum disorder might face this issue too. Even head injuries can cause APD.
Children with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD) face unique challenges in understanding sounds, particularly spoken language, due to a disconnect between their ears and brain.
This disorder disrupts their ability to identify and comprehend auditory information as their peers do. However, with effective strategies and early diagnosis, children with APD can excel both academically and personally. Recognizing and managing CAPD early on is important to prevent significant listening and learning difficulties at home and in school.
Some symptoms consist of:
- Difficulty localizing sounds
- Difficulty recalling spoken information
- Difficulty distinguishing speech in noisy environments
- Trouble comprehending complex instructions
Additional symptoms may vary by individual.
Types of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
There are different types of APD. Some people may experience just one. Others might have a mix. Each type affects how the brain handles sound in its own way.
Hypersensitivity – Some people are overly sensitive to certain sounds. This can show up as misophonia, where sounds like chewing or slurping cause strong discomfort—even anger or nausea. Others may have hyperacusis, which means even soft sounds feel too loud or painful. Things like background noise or humming might be hard to tolerate.
Decoding – This type makes it hard to understand spoken words. You hear the sound, but your brain doesn’t turn it into something that makes sense. It’s like the message gets lost on the way in.
Integration – This happens when it’s hard to listen and do something else at the same time. Writing notes while someone is talking, or listening during a meeting while checking emails, can feel overwhelming.
Prosodic – People with prosodic challenges struggle with tone and pitch. They may not pick up on sarcasm, emotion, or questions based on how something sounds. Their own speech may sound flat or monotone too.
Organizational – This type affects how you remember or repeat what you’ve heard. People may forget the order of steps or have trouble focusing in busy or noisy places.
Each type looks a little different, and no two people experience APD the same way. That’s why a full evaluation is so important. It helps us find the right tools to support you.
Who does APD affect?
Auditory processing disorders can affect both kids and adults. In children, these disorders are sometimes confused with other issues like ADD/ADHD or learning disabilities.
Kids with auditory processing disorders often have a hard time paying attention, may struggle with reading and writing, and might find it tough to follow verbal instructions, especially in a noisy classroom. Those born early or exposed to drugs or alcohol during pregnancy are more likely to develop auditory processing disorders.
Auditory processing disorder (APD) in adults can occur on its own or alongside conditions like hearing loss, stroke, or head trauma. Diagnosis involves specialized tests that assess various processing skills, including detecting and discriminating sounds such as numbers, beeps, and words. In adults with hearing loss, the brain’s ability to process sound effectively diminishes, leading to delays in understanding conversations.
Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) can make it hard for the brain to understand sounds, even when hearing is normal. Children with APD often struggle in noisy places like classrooms. They may ask for things to be repeated, seem distracted, or have trouble following directions.
The good news? With the right tools and support, kids with APD can improve.
Treatment usually starts with a full hearing test. Audiologists may also use special tests to see how the brain processes sound. Once APD is confirmed, the next step is building a support plan. This often includes classroom help, speech therapy, and changes at home to make listening easier.
Some kids benefit from working with a speech-language pathologist, others may use special computer programs to improve their listening skills, and teachers might wear microphones that send sound straight to the child’s ears. At home, simple changes—like turning off background noise—can help a lot.
While APD can’t be “cured,” many kids see real progress with early help. Each child is different, so their plan needs to be personal. Working with an audiologist is a great place to start./P>
What to do next
If you or someone you love struggles to follow conversations, especially in noisy places, it could be more than hearing loss. Auditory Processing Disorder can affect people of all ages—and early testing makes a real difference.
At Salem Audiology Clinic, we listen first, then create a plan that fits your needs. Don’t wait to get answers. Call us today to schedule an auditory processing evaluation and take the first step toward clearer, more confident hearing.