In order to understand properly, our brain must process the information our ears perceive. This processing allows us, among other things, to localize where sounds come from, to separate speech from noise, to recognize sequences of different sounds.
Some people have difficulty understanding despite normal hearing. This is because their ears work well, but their brains have difficulty processing the auditory information they receive. The problem may take place on the auditory pathways leading to the brain, or within the brain itself.This is known as auditory processing disorder (APD).
Most of the time, the cause of APD is unknown. However, it is known that this disorder can be caused by neurological, developmental or maturation problems of the auditory nervous system. It can also be accompanied by deafness, language problems, dyslexia-dysorthography, etc. It may be associated with aging, present from birth or acquired during the course of life.
What are the impacts in everyday life?
- Difficulty understanding speech in noise
- Difficulty understanding when someone speaks at a rapid rate or with an accent
- Difficulty understanding on the phone
- Difficulty following complicated instructions spoken orally
- Difficulties at school (especially reading and writing)
- Low auditory attention span
- Difficulty locating sounds
How can we assess auditory processing disorder ?
In order to ensure that it is indeed APD, we need to make sure that the difficulties are not caused by hearing loss or by a language, attentional or cognitive problem. The assessment is therefore carried out with a multidisciplinary team (for example, with an audiologist, a speech therapist and a neuropsychologist).
The assessment of APD in audiology is carried out in two phases. First, during an initial session, the audiologist assesses the patient's peripheral hearing (i.e., how well their ears are working). Next, he or she performs a series of tests to assess central auditory processing, i.e. the auditory processing carried out by the brain. These tests can be performed from the age of 7. Typically, the complete evaluation can last 2 to 3 sessions of 1h30 depending on the patient's concentration.
Tests include the ability to listen in noise, to listen with both ears at the same time, to perceive changes in sound, to perceive sounds of different durations, etc.
What we can do to help
Many measures can be put in place to reduce the difficulties of the person with APD.
1. Communication and listening strategies
The person can use certain strategies, for example, facing the interlocutor, reducing ambient noise, asking to repeat a section of the sentence more quietly, etc. This helps to foster communication in everyday life.
2. Preferred seating arrangement
In the case of a pupil/student, make sure he or she is positioned in such a way as to clearly understand the teacher. For example, by being in the front row, away from auditory distractions such as air vents.
This can also apply to adults, at meetings and conferences. It's best to position yourself closer and facing your interlocutor.
3. Use of an FM system
The FM system, is a system that makes listening to speech in noise easier. The teacher wears a microphone that transmits his or her voice directly to the student's ears.
4. Auditory training
Exercises are practiced with the audiologist to train the patient's hearing abilities.
5. Lip reading training
In some hearing rehabilitation centers, it is possible to take courses to improve one's lip reading, i.e. one's ability to read lips.
Do you have any questions about auditory processing disorder? Don't hesitate to contact the ODYO team!