Auditory Processing Disorder In Children: FAQs

Auditory processing disorder is a hearing problem that affects people of all ages. ADP affects the manner in which an individual's brain processes sound signals. As such, the hearing ability of affected individuals is compromised.

While ADP may affect people of all ages, its development often begins in the early years of life. The article below provides vital information about ADP in children. This information is vital for parents and caregivers.

Causes Of ADP In Children

Often times, the exact cause of auditory processing disorder in children is unknown. However, this hearing problem is closely associated with other underlying medical conditions including autism, certain types of speech and language impairment, and developmental delays.

ADP in children may also be as a result of chronic ear problems that have since been treated, but whose effect continues to affect the manner in which the child's brain processes audio signals. An example of one such problem is glue ear, which replaces the air in the child's middle ear with a glue-like fluid. Affected children end up suffering from dulled hearing, and they may develop ADP.

Signs Of ADP In Children

It is important for parents and/ or caregivers to understand the signs and symptoms that may indicate that a child is suffering from ADP.

Affected children will often be unable to pick out and focus on important sounds when in a noisy environment. For example, the child may be unable to hear someone calling them from a close distance when playing at the park. This ability is referred to as auditory figure-ground discrimination. ADP compromises this ability.

ADP also compromises a child's ability to remember what they have heard. Affected children often have problems with both long and short-term memory. In everyday situations, a child suffering from ADP will forget people's names, phone numbers, and even songs and stories. The child may also have difficulty following simple instructions/directions.

Treatment For Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory processing disorder in children is managed as opposed to being treated.  Management of ADP is often done through audio training with the aim of manipulating the manner in which the brain processes audio signals. Training is done through various activities including games that require children to identify the source of various sounds and so on.

Parents and/ or caregivers are advised to seek professional intervention from an audiologist for the best results when it comes to auditory training. If you believe you child may have auditory processing disorder, contact a local audiologist as soon as possible.