What Is It?

Auditory processing disorders are deficits processing speech and language often in the presence of typical hearing sensitivity. So, even though children can hear soft sounds, they may show concerning listening behaviors (see Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorders below) that are impacting their ability to communicate and learn on par with their peers. The concerning listening behaviors can overlap with symptoms related to deafness/hearing loss, attention deficit disorders, autism, and sensory processing disorders.

 

Whom Does It Affect?

Auditory processing disorders affect nearly 5% of school-age children, or 2.5 million children in the United States. Many experts in auditory processing disorders believe that this condition is underdiagnosed, and that prevalence rates may be even higher. Adults can struggle with auditory processing disorders as well. Some may have had it as younger children and learned compensation strategies that led toward a missed diagnosis. Some can develop auditory processing disorders because of noise exposure, or untreated slight or mild hearing losses.

 

Symptoms of Auditory Processing Disorders

Research has identified the following to be key indicators for auditory processing disorders:

  • Difficulty understanding speech in noise
  • Difficulty following multi-step instructions
  • Difficulty reading
  • Poor social skills
  • History of middle ear infections

Other symptoms have also been reported by parents and clinicians based on experience. These include:

  • Poor handwriting skills
  • General confusion
  • Glossed-over facial expression when listening
  • Delayed responses when name is being called
  • Answering questions with non-relevant information

Are Auditory Processing Disorders Part of Something Bigger?

Auditory processing disorders are tricky, because there is no real way of knowing if the disorder is happening on its own, or if it’s symptomatic of something else. While they can occur in isolation, often, auditory processing disorders occur in conjunction with attention deficit-hyperactivity disorders (ADHD). Because of this, sometimes the treatments for auditory processing disorders can help alleviate some of the challenges associated with ADHD. Regardless, auditory processing disorders can be identified and targeted through treatment, even if there are other diagnoses occurring.

 

Who Can Diagnose Auditory Processing Disorders?

Audiologists are the only qualified healthcare professional to diagnose auditory processing disorders. Many other rehabilitative professionals, psychologists, and even pediatricians may screen for auditory processing deficits; however, the diagnosis can only be made by an audiologist. Even then, few audiologists specialize in the assessment and treatment for auditory processing disorders, so be picky about whom you see!

 

Who Can Treat Auditory Processing Disorders?

An audiologist who has experience and specialized education to provide auditory training can do a lot to help improve how you and/or your child uses what they hear to make meaning and overcome some of the concerning listening behaviors listed above. However, speech-language pathologists can help treat auditory processing disorders from a more language-based perspective, especially when it comes to helping children learn to identify and discriminate speech sounds. Often, treating auditory processing disorders requires a change to the environment, and sometimes that can look like hearing aid technology to help enhance speech clarity, especially in noise. Hearing aid technology for children can only be managed by a license audiologist. School districts may have personnel who can help with services.

 

Are you concerned that your child has an auditory processing disorder? Call today to schedule a free virtual consultation (801) 996-7510.