Testing for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

The ability to process sound is fundamental to speech, hearing, and communications. Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is when the ear functions perfectly, and the patient is able to hear sounds well, but is unable to quickly or accurately distinguish between sounds. In other words, APD is not a problem with hearing, but an issue with listening to and comprehending sounds. People with APD can have difficulty differentiating between words that sound similar, which often leads people to think they have a hearing problem.

While the exact cause of APD is still unknown, researchers have noted possible links between APD and premature births, head injuries, or recurring ear infections. Research is also investigating links to autism spectrum disorder, non-verbal learning disabilities, dyslexia, delayed language problems, and other health challenges.

Symptoms of APD

Those who have APD may:

Seem like they have hearing loss even if their hearing is normal.
Have difficulty with reading and spelling in spite of high intelligence.
Become distracted by background noises.
Have problems following directions, especially multi-step instructions.
Ask people to repeat themselves often.
Seem confused by what is expected of them.
Startle easily when there are loud sounds.

Diagnosing APD

At North Hills ENT, our staff will conduct a series of tests to determine whether you have APD, and if so, recommend a course of treatment. These hearing tests evaluate:

Peripheral auditory system
Binaural integration and separation
Temporal patterning
Auditory closure
Auditory figure-ground discrimination
Binaural interaction, and
Language processing assessment

To diagnose school-age children, a speech and language assessment by a speech-language pathologist and a psycho-educational assessment by an educational psychologist or consultant may be necessary.

Treating APD

APD is usually addressed through a program of treatments customized to the specific needs of the patient. Treatments are designed to:

Improve access and interpretation of incoming auditory and verbal information
Address deficit areas directly
Learn how to maximize the use of auditory information
Offer deficit-specific, formal and informal auditory training
Fine-tune Frequency Modulated (FM) Systems
Provide computer-assisted therapy such as Fast ForWord and Earobics
Assist with environmental modification
Train compensatory skills
Provide language processing training and speech and language therapy

Audio Processing Disorder testing is a painless procedure and is necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Test results provide critical information that can be used to help patients function at their highest potential at work, school, and play.

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