The medical term for listening is auditory processing. Thus an auditory processing disorder is not really a defect in hearing. Instead, auditory processing disorder is a problem in the understanding and processing of sound or language. An auditory processing problem basically causes difficulty in comprehending the meaning of the various incoming sounds. Sounds have no problem getting into the auditory system, but the brain is unable to understand the meaning of these sounds. So in essence, the ears work fine, but the brain is unable to process.
What is the cause of auditory processing disorder ?
Affected children may have minute differences in the way that brain cells (or ‘neurons’) are joined collectively, or in the way they send messages to each other. This may make it hard for sounds to be transmitted to the brain’s language areas. It is definitely possible such brain cell differences are the cause.It may also be caused by long term middle ear disease. In rare cases, injuries to the head may also be contributory or causative.
What are the clinical features of auditory processing disorder ?
Children with Auditory Processing Disorder can have the folowing difficulties.
- In understanding when listening
- In expressing themselves clearly with speech
- In understanding auditory instructions
- In staying focused
How is auditory processing disorder diagnosed ?
Auditory Processing Disorder listening Test: This test is done in a special hearing clinic. The listening test is introduced as a playful computer game. The child sits in an extremely quiet room (a sound booth) and listens to the sounds played through headphones. The headphones are specially tailored for children to look interesting.
What is the treatment of auditory processing disorder ?
Although there is no ‘cure’ for Auditory Processing Disorder, there are certain things which help.
Clinic/Hearing Services:
- Hearing training programs and strategies (exercises to help the child understand better when listening)
- Parental support programs and strategies.
School/Local Education Authority:
- Child could sit near teacher’s desk to aid lip reading and other verbal or action cues.
- Teacher or classroom assistant should cross-check with child if he or she have heard and understood the instructions.
- For older children, teacher could give written information which might consolidate verbal instructions.
- Classroom noise has to be reduced (like carpeting and soft furnishings)• Listening devices can make speech clearer in noise.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
