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While most people seek audiology treatment in their senior years—when their hearing has been worn down by age—some people are born with hearing difficulties. For example, children with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) experience confusion because of how their brains interpret speech sounds. APD can also affect adults. If you’re interested in learning more about this audiology condition, look at the following guide.

Signs & Symptoms

Like the way dyslexia is marked by the visual rearranging of letters and numbers, APD results in a rearrangement of certain sounds. For example, your child might mistake the word “coat” for “boat.” As a result, children with APD have trouble learning in a classroom setting, where they are required to listen and process what their teacher is saying.

People with APD may have trouble responding to someone in a conversation or remembering instructions with multiple steps. They can also have trouble with other sounds, such as the direction of music or animal noise. APD is often exacerbated in situations where there is background noise, such as in a school cafeteria, a stadium, or even a grocery store.

Tips for Easing the Effects 

audiologyIt’s crucial to reduce the amount of ambient or background noise at home by turning off televisions and music when children are do homework. Sound can also be muffled by placing area rugs or carpet on the floors and hanging heavy drapery on windows. In a learning environment, individuals with APD may benefit from visual learning aids, such as following along in a book or a printed transcript while the teacher provides a lesson. Hearing aids that use frequency modulation may also help make sounds clearer. Individuals with APD do better when strengthening other skills, such as lip-reading, memory, and critical thinking.

 

If you believe your child may be dealing with this condition, reach out to Russellville Hearing Clinic of Arkansas. For over 15 years, Dr. Charlie Palmer has provided area patients with effective and compassionate audiology treatment. From the hearing test to an ENT referral or a hearing aid prescription, you can rely on his expertise for a better auditory experience. To learn more about their practice’s two-month free trial, visit the website, or call (479) 968-7250 to schedule a visit.

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