APD is not unique to children. As we age, hearing loss and changes in auditory processing alter how we listen, hear, and process sound information.
Let's start with a definition: An auditory processing disorder is a physical hearing impairment that doesn't appear as a hearing loss on routine screenings or audiograms.
For example, you may think you have hearing loss, so you schedule a hearing screening. After measuring your hearing, your audiologist tells you your hearing is normal. What's up?
What you perceive as hearing loss may be changes in your auditory processing of sound information. First, you're not alone in thinking you have hearing loss. Many adults confuse APD with difficulty hearing. And, like you, they are surprised when they learn their hearing is normal. But still, you're confident you're not hearing correctly, especially in social situations with lots of background noise.
Auditory processing disorder in adults may manifest as poor listening skills, poor reading comprehension, or miscommunication that causes trouble with coworkers, partners, family and friends. For many people, living with APD is “like trying to listen on a cell phone with the signal cutting in and out,” according to Lois Kam Heymann, M.A., CCC-SLP.
A key to understanding APD is to remember that hearing and understanding what you hear are two different functions.
The 2-part auditory system
Let's take a moment for a quick review of the auditory system, which has two parts: the peripheral and central auditory systems.
- You have trouble hearing if the problem is in your peripheral auditory system (outer, middle, and inner ear).
- You have trouble understanding what you hear if the problem is in your central auditory system (auditory pathway to the brain)
Auditory processing is what your brain does (central auditory system) with the information it receives from your ears (peripheral auditory system). The brain's job is to make sense of this information by processing it, which involves recognizing, interpreting, and storing sound data for future use.
Again, there's hearing, and there's understanding what you hear. Two different functions.
Audiologists to the rescue
Knowing that hearing involves two systems underscores the importance of seeing an audiologist if you suspect you have hearing loss. They have the clinical skills to diagnose hearing loss and APD and ensure you receive the right therapy for your condition.
For instance, you may not need hearing aids because your problem is age-related APD. On the other hand, you may have both hearing loss and APD. As the heading says, audiologists to the rescue.
What problems do adults with APD experience?
As mentioned, the classic challenge is listening when there's lots of background noise—social gatherings, restaurants. Adults with APD often describe their listening experience as garbled.
Other common issues include:
- Difficulty following complex directions
- Difficulty multitasking (e.g., listening and taking notes)
- Spelling, reading, writing issues
- Lack of music appreciation
- Problems locating the source of a sound
- Difficulty following conversations on the telephone
- Difficulty following directions
- Difficulty with rapid or accented speech
- Difficulty following long conversations
- Difficulty learning technical information
- Problems organizing at home, work, and other environments
How is adult APD treated?
Simple lifestyle changes are often beneficial. For example
- Eliminate distracting noises (turn off the TV or computer) before speaking with a loved one.
- Touch your partner on the arm or shoulder before speaking, allowing them a moment to refocus from what they are currently doing to the conversation you want to have with them.
- Ask your partner to repeat what you've said to ensure it was understood.
- Speak without unnecessary detail.
- Use relaxation to clear your mind before important conversations.
- For some communications, e-mail might be a better choice.
Your audiologist may also recommend:
- If hearing loss was measured, using an FM listening system and/or hearing aids.
- A brain-training program to take advantage of the brain’s capacity to improve processing skills at any age.
Hearing loss or APD?
Schedule a hearing screening with an audiologist if you think you have hearing loss. A 15-minute hearing screening will determine if you have hearing loss, an auditory processing disorder, or both.
Don't assume hearing loss. Your audiologist's clinical skills will ensure you receive an accurate diagnosis and the proper therapy.
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