Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a neurological disorder that affects how the brain processes auditory information. Individuals with APD often struggle to understand and interpret sounds, particularly in complex or noisy environments. This can lead to difficulties in following instructions, comprehending spoken language, and participating in conversations.
On a standard hearing aid evaluation, someone with APD will have normal test results despite their reported inability to hear well. This is because a standard hearing test only evaluates the ear canal, middle ear space and cochlea. But this is just the start of the auditory system!
Once the sound has made it to the auditory nerve, it travels through the brain for processing. The central auditory system is a very complex system that preserves, refines, analyzes, modifies, organizes, and interprets information from the ears. If this system is not working properly it can result in difficulty interpreting sounds in complex auditory input, such as rapid speech, speech in noise, and long bouts of speech.
Some studies suggest that APD affects around 2-7% of school-aged children. However, other research indicates higher rates, with prevalence estimates ranging from 5% to as high as 20% in certain populations.
In adults over 55, the prevalence of APD is estimated to be 23-76%.
APD also affects men more than women at a ratio of 2:1.
The etiology of APD may be linked to a specific lesion or disorder, or may be unknown. Causes and risk factors for APD may include the following:
APD can sometimes coexist with other conditions or comorbidities such as:
1. Language Disorders: such as dyslexia or expressive/receptive language disorders.
2. Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): There is a higher prevalence of APD among children with ADHD, and vice versa. It is also possible for a child with APD to be misdiagnosed with ADHD because their inability to understand what is being said can be seen as inattentiveness.
3. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Sensory processing issues, including auditory processing difficulties, are often observed in individuals on the autism spectrum.
4. Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD): Conditions such as dyspraxia.
5. Speech Sound Disorders: Conditions such as difficulties with articulation or phonological processing, leading to speech sound disorders.
6. Learning Disabilities: Such as difficulties with reading, writing, or math.
7. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD): Conditions such as difficulties in processing and integrating sensory information, including auditory input.
While APD can co-occur with other conditions, not every individual with APD will have comorbidities, and the presence of comorbidities can differ between individuals. Each case is unique, requiring a thorough evaluation by professionals like audiologists, speech-language pathologists, or psychologists to accurately assess and diagnose these conditions.
APD Evaluations are completed Wednesday and Friday morning at Golden Ears Audiology Lakeway. Appointments are scheduled for 90 minutes and include a comprehensive hearing evaluation followed by processing testing in the sound booth. Following the evaluation, preliminary results will be given to the patient and/or their parents. A more formal review of results will be completed via a 30 minute phone call or video call with the audiologist the following week.
This will be an out-of-pocket cost of the patient. The full 2 hours of testing and review of results is $1200.
Treatment for Auditory Processing Disorder may include auditory training, speech therapy, use of hearing aids or assistive listening devices to improve sound clarity, and educational support like visual aids.