Auditory Processing Disorder

 

This is a poorly understood disorder. Children with APD have normal hearing tests, yet struggle to hear in the real world. We think the problem lies in the brain's inability to correctly process the information coming from the ears.

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There is no definitive test able to make the diagnosis. Instead, a variety of tests are used to try and identify the circumstances in which the child struggles.

 

There is also not a definitive cure. Instead, management focuses on minimising the impact that the difficulties cause, by trying to find ways around the problem circumstances. Often this involves engaging help from the people that interact with the child on a daily basis. Auditory training exercises can also be used, to try and improve how the child's brain analyses the sounds and other information.