Auditory processing disorder (APD) (2024)

FAQs

What are the test results for auditory processing disorder? ›

According to the American Academy of Audiology, a diagnosis of APD can be made when the individual scores two standard deviations or more below the mean in at least one ear on two or more tests within the battery.

Something interferes with the way the brain recognizes and interprets sounds, especially speech. With the right strategies, kids with APD can be successful in school and life.

Auditory processing disorder happens for many different reasons. In general, experts link the condition to the following issues: Central nervous system disorders like stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease. Genetics.

One famous person with APD is poet Amanda Gorman.

Due to this gradual maturation, it is possible that a child who was diagnosed with APD before age 13 could essentially “grow out” of APD. Additionally, a child's auditory processing skills may also improve if he or she is receiving therapy for APD.

Some of the more common diagnostic tests for APD include Staggered Spondaic Word (SSW) Test, the SCAN Screening Test for auditory processing disorders, and the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment (MAPA).

Auditory Neuropathy is a condition where someone with or without hearing loss experiences problems with perceiving speech. They hear the words, they just can't process them correctly. They may be able to hear sounds just fine, but still have difficulty recognizing spoken words.

Key points: Feeling like you can hear but not understand is a common sign of mild hearing loss. It can usually be treated successfully with hearing aids. In rare cases, it might be due to other problems within the auditory system or brain.

Up to 5 percent in school-aged children according to the National Institutes of Health. A 2:1 ratio of boys to girls has also been cited. There is no single cause of auditory processing disorder; however, it is linked to risk factors such as (Musiek and Chermak, 2009): Chronic ear infections.

What is the controversy around auditory processing disorder? ›

Conclusion: Most participants consider APD to be a unique disorder, citing clinical experience and the literature for support; however, many also indicated APD is complicated by comorbidity and APD may be overdiagnosed.

Many children with APD, albeit those with more mild delays, are able to make the gargantuan effort required to hear the sounds inside words and are able to learn to decode, only to run into problems with reading comprehension later.

The cause of auditory processing disorder (APD) is sometimes unknown. APD can be linked to many conditions. In older adults, conditions might include stroke and head trauma. In children, APD can be linked to issues at birth, such as low birth weight or early birth, or repeated ear infections.

Intended to be used as part of a battery, the TAPS-3 measures what a child or adolescent does with what he or she hears.

These tests are designed to determine whether there are any auditory processing difficulties. The examinee will listen and respond to speech that has been modified to challenge their auditory system. These assessments assess an examinee's memory ability.