When managing hearing loss, it is essential to identify and differentiate between the many conditions affecting the auditory system. Hearing loss and Auditory Processing Disorder, or APD, are two frequent disorders that can negatively impact your capacity to process and interpret sound. It is crucial to grasp the differences between these two, despite the fact that they may sometimes display identical symptoms. This article will break through the confusion, explain the differences between APD and hearing loss, and underline the importance of understanding those differences.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?
Auditory Processing Disorder is a condition in which the central nervous system struggles to interpret auditory information properly, despite having normal hearing capacity. If you have APD, you might struggle to comprehend and make sense of the noises around you, particularly in chaotic or extremely noisy circumstances.
You might also have trouble filtering out background noise, keeping up with conversations, or recognizing tiny variations in speech sounds. Auditory Processing Disorder can impact speech and language development at any age, but it is most typically diagnosed at a younger age. Managing APD and limiting its impact on day-to-day life requires early detection and intervention as two of the most important components.
Working with an experienced team can help you understand more about Auditory Processing Disorder and provides help in managing its impact. At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, we utilize state-of-the-art equipment to ensure you receive a proper diagnosis and support from our team moving forward.
What Is Hearing Loss?
On the other hand, hearing loss is a partial or complete deterioration of one’s ability to perceive sounds. This can happen to anyone at any age. Damage to the outer, middle, or inner ear, or a combination of causes, is often the culprit. Hearing loss can be broken down into two major types: conductive hearing loss and sensorineural hearing loss. A third type, mixed hearing loss, results from combining the first two.
Conductive Hearing Loss
Conductive hearing loss is a type of hearing loss that happens when sound waves can’t get through the outer or inner ear as well as they should. This makes it harder for sounds to reach the inner ear, where they are turned into electrical messages and sent to the brain so they can be understood.
Conductive hearing loss can be caused by several things, including:
- Blockage of the ear canal by earwax
- Infections in the middle ear
- Perforated eardrum
- Blockage of the ear canal
- Abnormal bone growth
- Malformations or damage to the outer or middle ear
Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Sensorineural hearing loss happens when the inner ear or the auditory nerve is damaged, or both are damaged. It is the most common type of lifelong hearing loss, and the level of hearing loss can vary from mild to severe.
Many things can lead to sensorineural hearing loss, such as:
- Hearing loss related to age
- Prolonged exposure to noise
- Hereditary
- Exposure to certain medications
- Head trauma
- Certain illnesses or diseases
Sensorineural hearing loss is usually permanent because the nerves or sensory cells that turn sound into electrical messages the brain can understand are damaged. It can make it hard to hear and follow speech, tell the difference between sounds, and hear different frequencies.
The severity and type of hearing loss both impact how hearing loss affects a person. No matter what type, hearing loss can affect a person’s capacity to hear certain frequencies or cause a general decrease in their ability to hear sound in general. You might also notice ringing in your ear with either type. This is called tinnitus and can be overwhelming for some.
What Distinguishes APD From Hearing Loss?
Although APD and hearing loss are both associated with impairments in auditory perception, a few essential characteristics set them apart. The key difference is seen in the underlying etiology as well as the auditory system that is impacted.
Hearing loss is caused by physical damage to the ear structures of the outer, middle, or inner ear. In contrast, auditory processing disorder largely impacts the central nervous system’s ability to process and interpret auditory information.
People with APD frequently have normal hearing but struggle to grasp and make sense of what they hear, unlike those with hearing loss, which is typically associated with a diminished ability to detect noises.
Why Is an Accurate Diagnosis Important?
It is essential to have an accurate diagnosis in order to implement the right treatment. An incorrect diagnosis might result in inefficient treatment options, a delay in support, and increased frustration when you have challenges with your hearing. By distinguishing between APD and hearing loss, our team can deliver individualized treatment plans that cater to the requirements unique to each disorder.
If you’re affected by Auditory Processing Disorder, you may see improvements in your ability to interpret auditory information by participating in auditory training, speech therapy, or adjusting to your environment. In contrast, managing hearing loss may require assistive listening devices such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other similar technologies. These distinctions must be identified and understood to ensure you receive the highest possible care and assistance to improve your quality of life.
Seeking Help for Hearing Issues Is the First Step
Understanding the differences between hearing loss and auditory processing can help you receive the right support and maximize your communication abilities. Both issues affect your auditory ability and require assistance from qualified professionals. At Hearing Associates of Las Vegas, our team is knowledgeable in various hearing issues. We can help you with a proper diagnosis and the support you need to learn to manage that diagnosis. Call today to get started on your path to better understanding and hearing.
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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