Auditory processing disorder (APD)

Overview

Auditory processing disorder (APD) is a condition that affects how the brain processes sound. It also is called central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). This condition can happen in children and adults.

With APD, hearing tests may not show hearing loss. But you may have trouble making sense of what you hear. APD is different from hearing loss caused by an issue with the outer, middle or inner ear. It's also not the same as hearing loss caused by an issue with the auditory nerve, the nerve that leads from your ears to your brain.

Many conditions can affect how well you understand what you hear. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism are examples. These conditions are different from auditory processing disorder, but they can appear with APD. APD also can happen with other types of hearing loss.

There is no cure for APD, but treatments can help.

Symptoms

Symptoms of auditory processing disorder (APD) can vary and be subtle. Symptoms can include trouble with being able to:

• Tell where a sound is coming from.
• Understand words that are spoken quickly or in a noisy room.
• Follow directions that aren't short and simple.
• Sing or recognize patterns in music.
• Understand and remember what you hear.

When to see a doctor

If you have trouble understanding what you hear, talk to a healthcare professional.

Causes

The cause of auditory processing disorder (APD) is often unknown. APD can be linked to many conditions. In adults, it may be linked to conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury or age-related changes. In children, APD can be linked to issues at birth, such as an early birth or low birth weight. APD also can be linked to repeated ear infections.

When hearing works as expected, the brain's auditory center takes sound waves sent from the ears and turns them into sounds you know. But with APD, the auditory part of the brain can't do this.

Risk factors

Factors that may raise your risk of auditory processing disorder (APD) include:

• Aging.
• Stroke.
• Head trauma.
• Issues linked to birth, such as an early birth, low birth weight, or use of alcohol, drugs or tobacco during pregnancy.
• Repeated ear infections, especially at a young age.

Other conditions that have been linked to APD include:

• Dementia.
• Migraine headaches.
• Parkinson's disease.
• Brain tumors.

Complications

Complications of auditory processing disorder (APD) include issues with:

• Paying attention, especially in distracting environments.
• Understanding others.
• Learning new languages or new words.
• Taking part in activities.
• Doing well in school.
• Reading and writing, especially in children.

APD also may cause you to:

• Take longer to reply to someone who is talking to you.
• Often need others to repeat themselves.
• Not understand sarcasm or jokes.
• Feel isolated and lonely.
• Feel frustrated and depressed.