Auditory processing disorder
Auditory processing disorder is a condition that causes a hearing deficiency despite normally functioning ears, by affecting the way sound is processed from the ears to the brain. In the past, this disorder used to be referred to as a “learning disability“.
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The causation and, consequently, the risk factors of auditory processing disorders are not entirely clear. It is assumed that there is a correlation to a lack of oxygen during birth or to long-standing hearing impairment, for instance due to persistent effusion in the middle ear. However, in many children with auditory processing disorders no specific causes are found.
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Providing care and guidance in the child’s development creates the basis for good hearing abilities, but it does not eliminate the risk of auditory processing disorder. Regular hearing check-ups are therefore recommended for children, especially before starting school. If a disorder in speech development is present, auditory perception and processing should be examined in greater detail.
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Usually, an auditory processing disorder first becomes noticeable at pre-school age or later. Affected children are likely to hear less well in noisy environments, have difficulty remembering small tasks and often confuse syllables. A hypersensitivity to loud noises may also be a symptom of auditory processing disorder.
Occasionally, the hearing problems are even only noticed by the child’s teachers, since particularly environments with many lively children place great demand on the hearing. However, an auditory processing disorder may also become apparent at school, as it can affect reading and writing skills.
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Occasionally, the hearing problems are even only noticed by the child’s teachers, since particularly environments with many lively children place great demand on the hearing. However, an auditory processing disorder may also become apparent at school, as it can affect reading and writing skills.
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The diagnostics comprise several hearing examinations which are carried out in a playful way, but partly require great concentration from the children. For this reason, the examinations are spread out over several appointments and should also include speech development.
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An auditory processing disorder is usually treated with a practice therapy based on the type and severity of the disorder. Pedagogical strategies can also be employed, for example in the case of school problems, and are managed by the local “hearing” support centres.
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