Do I have APD? Take the Quiz
Do I have APD? Take the Quiz

WHAT IS
AUDITORY PROCESSING
DISORDER or apd?

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a condition in which the ears receive sound normally but the brain has difficulty interpreting it — especially speech in noisy places, rapid speech, or multi-step spoken information. This often causes misunderstandings, poor memory for verbal information, and trouble following conversations. APD can affect people who use hearing amplification (such as hearing aids) and is due to how the brain processes sound, not solely to peripheral “hearing” problems.

WHAT are the most common symptoms?

  • Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments

  • Frequently asking for repetition or saying “What?”

  • Mishearing or confusing similar-sounding words

  • Trouble following multi-step verbal instructions

  • Poor memory for verbal information (lists, directions)

  • Relying heavily on visual cues (lipreading, captions)

  • Difficulty following conversations on the phone or in groups

  • Slower processing of verbal information (difficulty with rapid speech)

  • Fatigue or frustration after extended listening

  • Academic or workplace problems related to listening (e.g., poor reading comprehension despite adequate decoding)

What treatment options are available?

There are several treatment options depending on the type and severity of the identified auditory processing disorder. After testing, our audiologists will recommend a personalized treatment plan for each patient. If the online screening indicates you may benefit from a full APD evaluation, that evaluation must be completed to determine the most appropriate plan.

Sources:

Hearing Health Foundation. (n.d.). APD demographics. Hearing Health Foundation. https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/apd-demographics

The Auditory Processing Center. (n.d.). Prevalence of APD. The Auditory Processing Center. https://auditorycenter.com/what-is-auditory-processing-disorder/prevalence-of-apd/

Gates, G. A., & Mills, J. H. (2005). Presbycusis. The Lancet, 366(9491), 1111–1120. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(05)67423-5

Moore, D. R. (2018). Editorial: Listening, processing and learning: A review of central auditory processing disorder. Frontiers in Neurology, 9, Article 476. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00476