Auditory Processing Disorder
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Hearing Services
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
The neurological illness known as Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects how the brain interprets sound. Even if their hearing sensitivity may be normal, people with APD may have trouble understanding or interpreting sounds. This can make it difficult to follow instructions, interpret speech in noisy settings, and differentiate between identical sounds.
An audiologist can diagnose APD using a set of tests that gauge the capacity to comprehend auditory data.
Common signs of APD
- difficulty hearing speech in noisy situations
- having trouble paying attention
- having trouble identifying the source of a sound
- trouble executing instructions
- frequently requesting that information be repeated
- difficulty in discerning minute tone changes
- distracted and inattentive behaviour
- difficulty learning to read
- academic challenges, such as weak reading and spelling
These symptoms are often present without hearing loss.
Diagnosis of APD
An audiologist will make the APD diagnosis. Eliminating hearing loss is the first step in making an APD diagnosis. Tympanometry, acoustic reflex testing, and a hearing test will all be done by the audiologist.
Comprehensive hearing test
The hearing test can exclude any temporary hearing loss due to middle ear issues or other medical conditions in youngsters. The audiologist can distinguish between the middle ear and inner ear issues (conductive hearing loss or sensorineural hearing loss) by testing youngsters for bone conduction. The GP will receive a report from the audiologist if a hearing loss or other abnormality is discovered, along with a recommendation to refer to an ENT.
APD assessment
The APD evaluation will then be completed by the audiologist. It can be used on adults and children older than seven who do not have hearing loss but have difficulty appropriately processing sound. Children are more frequently assessed, and many (but not all) of these kids struggle with learning because they can’t understand what they’re hearing.
APD assessment
Book in to see a professional Audiologist now!
Did you know that 5% of children in school suffer from auditory processing disorders?
What we offer
Our services
Thorough evaluation of hearing to determine hearing ability using Tympanometry, Pure Tone Audiometry, and Speech Audiometry.
Pre-employment hearing testing is available. Outside office hours, appointments can be arranged.
Specialised hearing tests for all preschool and school aged children including Tympanometry, Pure Tone Audiometry and Speech Audiometry.
After school appointments available
Government-funded Hearing Services available for pensioners and eligible veterans.
Hills Audiology is fully accredited to provide hearing care under the Hearing Services Program, inclusive of fitting hearing aids.
Workcover assessments are designed for measuring hearing loss/injury suffered through the nature of work, and/or, the work environment, and accessing compensation through Workcover NSW. It also includes fitting hearing aids.
On site ear measurements for custom ear plugs. These are suitable for hearing protection from noise, water tight ear moulds for
swimmers, measurements for musicians in ear monitors and custom ear moulds for hearing aid wearers.
Assessment and management of tinnitus (ringing, or any sound heard in the ear). Tinnitus can impact your sleep, well being and ability to focus. Many people struggle with tinnitus.
We can help manage your tinnitus.
