Auditory Processing Disorders

Despite having normal hearing, people with auditory processing disorders (APD) have difficulty processing auditory information. First Coast Brain Builders is unique as we can diagnose and treat auditory processing disorders using an interprofessional model.

Types of Disorders

Signs of an Auditory Processing Disorder

Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments or when more than one person is speaking
Frequently asking people to repeat information
Misunderstanding what has been said
Needing a longer response time during conversation
Trouble telling where sounds are coming from
Problems distinguishing between similar sounds
Difficulty concentrating or paying attention
Problems following or comprehending rapid speech or complex directions
Trouble with learning or enjoying music

Auditory Processing Disorder Treatment

First Coast Brain Builders uses the Buffalo Model to target specific areas of need that are identified during the APD evaluation. The Buffalo Model works directly on skills that are affected by an auditory processing disorder. The therapy is tailored for you or your child, directly targeting the areas of need identified during our evaluations.

Are you or your child struggling with APD? Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Diagnosing Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) can be present in individuals of all ages. It is most commonly diagnosed in children between 5-12 years old although it can also be identified later in life as well. APD in children often appears as:

Difficulty following verbal instructions
Struggles with reading or phonics
Misunderstanding in noisy environments

APD may be misdiagnosed as ADHD, learning disabilities, or behavioral issues.

Identifying APD in Teens and Young Adults

APD in teenagers and young adults is often undiagnosed or misattributed to attention issues or academic challenges. Individuals may continue to struggle with:

Understanding lectures or group discussions

Taking notes while listening

Social or emotional challenges from misunderstood conversations

APD in Adults

APD in adults is typically the result of being undiagnosed since childhood or acquired later due to brain injury, stroke, aging, or neurological conditions. It can be identified as:

Trouble understanding speech, especially in noise

Feeling mentally drained after conversations

Difficulty following fast speakers or group conversations

Who’s At Risk?

APD can be present in anyone, but certain factors may contribute to its development. It is more commonly seen in children with recurrent ear infections (otitis media) in early childhood, individuals with language or speech delays, people with a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and children with developmental disorders. It can also affect elderly adults who have normal hearing but experience increased difficulty understanding speech.

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Is it APD or Attention?

APD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often share similar symptoms, such as difficulty listening, following directions, or focusing in noisy environments. However, the causes and treatment are very different.

When to consider APD?

Child does well one-on-one but struggles in class

Reading/spelling issues despite good intelligence

Poor memory for things heard, but good with visuals

Frustration with listening tasks or noise

If your child shows signs of APD but is not improving with ADHD treatment, an auditory processing evaluation may be needed.

What Parents Need to Know

Auditory Processing Disorder affects how the brain interprets sounds, especially speech. This can create challenges in learning even when hearing is normal.

How APD Impacts Learning

Reading and Spelling: Difficulty hearing sound patterns (phonemic awareness) affects decoding
Listening Comprehension: Struggles with understanding spoken language, especially in groups
Following Directions: Trouble remembering and sequencing verbal instructions
Social Interaction: Misunderstands jokes or tone; may appear inattentive

Classroom Red Flags

Doesn’t follow directions unless repeated or written down
Avoids reading aloud or participating in discussions
Disorganized or forgetful with oral tasks
Performs better with visual support

Support at School

504 Plan or IEP may be appropriate
Preferential seating and quiet testing area
Written and verbal instructions
Assistive listening devices

APD is manageable. With early identification and auditory training, children with APD can succeed academically and socially.

Treatment

Treatment for auditory processing disorders includes auditory training and low-gain amplification (for those with normal hearing thresholds).

Auditory Training

Auditory training is like physical therapy for the ears and brain. It uses structured listening exercises to help:

Discriminate between sounds (e.g., “cat” vs. “cap”)

Recognize speech in noise

Improve auditory memory and attention

Strengthen auditory sequencing and comprehension

Sessions May Include

Goals of Auditory Training

Some of the goals of auditory training are to improve ability to focus on important sounds; help the brain fill in missing information in noisy environments; increase listening stamina; and strengthen language, literacy, and academic skills.

Low-gain Amplification

Low-gain amplification doesn’t make sounds loud; they make sound clear for the brain to understand. While hearing levels may be fine, individuals with an auditory processing disorder have trouble organizing and processing sound especially with background noise. Low-gain devices pull out the fine details of speech while reducing background noise.