Auditory processing disorder (APD) is where the patient will have difficulty understanding certain sounds, including spoken words. There are some things you can do that can help. Symptoms of auditory processing disorder (APD)
APD often starts in childhood but some people may develop it later in life.
If you or your child have APD, you may find it difficult to understand:
people speaking in noisy places
people with strong accents or fast talkers
similar sounding words
spoken instructions
APD is not a hearing problem. People with the condition usually have normal hearing thresholds.
Tests for auditory processing disorder (APD)
To test for APD you may be asked to:
listen to speech with background noise
spot small changes in sounds
fill in missing parts of words
Other tests may include:
having electrodes on your head to measure how your brain reacts to sound
speech and language tests
memory, problem-solving and concentration tests
Testing for APD is not usually done on children under 7 years old.
Treating auditory processing disorder (APD)
There is no cure for APD but there are things that can help.
Treatment usually involves activities to improve listening and concentration. This is called auditory training. You can do it with a hearing specialist or in your own time online.
To reduce background noise, school children with APD may be advised to wear a wireless earpiece that connects to a tiny microphone worn by their teacher.