Hearing Loss

Auditory Processing Disorder: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Learn how this condition develops and how to find treatment.

Last update on Aug, 02, 2024

“I can hear but I can’t understand what is being said—why?” This is a common concern for anyone experiencing hearing loss. But for some, this complaint may be a symptom of something more.

What is Auditory Processing Disorder in Adults?

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a condition that affects the brain's ability to coordinate, process, and understand what the ears hear. It can lead to challenges in recognizing and interpreting sounds, particularly in noisy environments or situations with multiple speakers.

In this article, we'll discuss what APD is, what it’s like to live with, and what options are available if you or a loved one is experiencing it.

While auditory processing disorder can be found in both adults and children, a few common symptoms of auditory processing disorder in adults are below:

Difficulty understanding rapid speech
Asking others to repeat themselves
Recalling only certain words in a sentence
Trouble following directions
Inability to focus in a noisy environment
Not being able to recall what people said
Inability to recall important information or dates
Not being able to tell where a sound is coming from

What are the 4 Types of Auditory Processing Disorders?

The main types of auditory processing disorders are organized within the following areas:

1. Auditory discrimination

Auditory discrimination refers to the ability to recognize, compare, and distinguish between different sounds. An example of this would be if someone says “math” but you hear “bath.”

2. Auditory figure-ground discrimination

This refers to the ability to distinguish sounds from a noisy background. Conversations happening in a busy environment can make it challenging for those with this type of APD to filter what is important due to the distractions happening in their immediate environment.

3. Auditory memory

Auditory memory refers to the ability to process and recall what is heard after even after a very short amount of time has passed. This can affect both long-term and short-term memory. Common signs of this are remembering names, telephone numbers, or a set of instructions.

4. Auditory sequencing

Individuals with auditory sequencing issues have difficulties processing words and sounds in the correct order and recalling information correctly. For example, if someone says “123” but you hear “132.”

What Causes Auditory Processing Disorder?

According to Mayo Clinic, the cause of auditory processing disorder is unknown. Some risk factors that have been linked to ADP include:

Aging
Brain injury or head-related trauma
Lead poisoning
Seizure disorders
Strokes and cardiovascular disease
Repeated ear infections in childhood
Prenatal factors, such as low birth weight, premature birth weight, or a pregnant person using alcohol, drugs, or tobacco

Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy and Treatments

Audiologists must first conduct thorough hearing testing to determine what courses of treatment or therapy are appropriate if they suspect you have ADP. Some auditory processing disorder treatments may include:

Hearing aids and assistive listening devices

A healthcare professional may recommend hearing aids to help better manage your symptoms. Additional tools like a remote microphone or DM/FM system can be helpful as well.

Auditory and speech training

You may receive treatment or training with a qualified professional, such as an audiologist or speech therapist.

Assistive technology

Recording devices and voice-to-text mobile applications may be implemented to help capture and display important information.

Computer-based programming

A qualified professional may recommend computer-based programs that help train the brain to better recognize and understand sounds.

Living With Auditory Processing Disorder

There may be some minor adjustments that you can make at home and in your daily life to help you manage your symptoms in addition to receiving auditory processing disorder therapies. A few of these changes are:

Writing down important information
Making changes to your environment to reduce sources of noise, such as removing noisy fans and TVs from areas where hearing is critical
Using an assistive listening devices like a remote microphone that can help pick up sound coming from a specific direction, such as a person who is speaking

Where Can You Get Support for ADP?

There are resources and support available if you are concerned that you may have an auditory processing disorder. Amplifon’s network of healthcare professionals is dedicated to providing you with quality care, contact us at (866) 219-7694.

Get your hearing checked at a clinic in your area

Request a hearing evaluation

Request an appointment at a hearing care provider near you.

First name

Last name

Phone number

Zip code

By clicking “Request an appointment” I agree that Amplifon Hearing Health Care may make calls/text/emails to my phone/email indicated, including sending promotional offers and information about hearing care and the products and services offered through Amplifon Hearing Health Care, using automated technology, including prerecorded/artificial voice calls or texts. Standard message and data rates may apply. For more information visit https://www.amplifonusa.com/legal-and-privacy/privacy-policy.