Auditory Processing Disorder

Apr 16

Auditory processing disorder (APD) makes it hard to know what people are saying.

It isn’t related to hearing problems or intelligence. An auditory processing disorder (APD) impacts how our brain processes the information we hear through our ears.

Symptoms of auditory processing disorder (APD) can be subtle and can include:

Difficulty understanding and remembering spoken information.
Trouble following directions unless they are short and simple.
Being easily distracted by background noise or sudden, loud noises
Trouble remembering details of things that are read or spoken
Trouble with reading or spelling, which require processing sounds
Taking longer to respond when someone speaks
Trouble knowing where sounds/speech is coming from
Difficulty learning a new language.
Difficulty singing or enjoying music.

APD commonly co-occurs with other neurodivergent conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or Autism.

(sources: Mayo Clinic, Understood.org)

How to support yourself and others

Work with your health care team to explore supports like hearing aids, listening devices or auditory training.
Ask for important information in writing.

Use captions when watching TV or participating in a Zoom meeting.
Try using a remote microphone to improve how well you can hear in a noisy room.
Move closer to the person who is speaking.
Move away from other sources of noise, such as a fan.
In class or at a meeting, ask someone to take notes for you or get a written copy of what was said.