What Is Auditory Processing?

Our ability to understand and interpret sound is a crucial part of communication and learning. However, for some individuals, the process of making sense of auditory information can be challenging. What our brain does with what we hear is called auditory processing.

At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we specialize in diagnosing and treating auditory processing disorders. Understanding what auditory processing is and how it impacts daily life can help individuals get the right support and improve their listening and comprehension skills.

What Is Auditory Processing?

Auditory processing refers to how the brain recognizes, interprets, and responds to sounds. While the ears collect sound waves and transmit them to the brain, auditory processing is responsible for decoding the information, allowing us to distinguish speech, detect patterns, and comprehend conversations.

“For most people, auditory processing happens naturally without conscious effort. However, some individuals struggle with processing sounds correctly, leading to difficulties in understanding speech, following instructions, or distinguishing background noise from important auditory information”, explains Dr. Kit Frank Au.D.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

When someone has difficulty processing auditory information despite having normal hearing, they may have Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). APD affects how the brain processes sound rather than how the ears detect it. This condition is especially common in children, though adults can also experience it due to aging, head injuries, or neurological conditions.

Signs of Auditory Processing Difficulties

Individuals with auditory processing issues may experience various challenges in daily life. Some common signs include:

Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Trouble following multi-step instructions
Struggling with distinguishing similar-sounding words
Difficulty maintaining attention when listening
Poor reading or spelling skills
Becoming easily distracted by background noise
Delayed response to spoken instructions

If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, a professional evaluation at Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City can help determine if auditory processing difficulties are present.

Causes of Auditory Processing Disorder

The exact cause of auditory processing issues is not always clear, but several factors may contribute to the condition:

Neurological Differences: Individuals may have brain structures that process sound differently, affecting their ability to interpret auditory information.
Ear Infections: Frequent ear infections in early childhood can disrupt normal auditory processing development.
Head Trauma: Injuries affecting the auditory centers of the brain can lead to processing difficulties.
Aging: Older adults may experience a decline in auditory processing, making it harder to follow conversations, especially in noisy environments.
Genetics: Some research suggests that auditory processing difficulties may run in families.

How Auditory Processing Issues Impact Daily Life

Difficulties with auditory processing can have a significant impact on academic performance, workplace communication, and social interactions. “This can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration, making everyday tasks more challenging”, states Dr. Kit Frank, AuD.

Challenges in School

Children with APD often struggle in school because they may misinterpret verbal instructions or have difficulty understanding lessons. This can lead to frustration, lower confidence, and academic delays. They may also have trouble following along in group discussions, making it harder to participate and stay engaged.

Workplace Difficulties

Adults with auditory processing issues may find it hard to keep up with fast-paced conversations, particularly in meetings or group discussions. They might miss important details or struggle with verbal communication, impacting productivity. This can create stress and anxiety, especially in jobs that rely heavily on verbal instructions or teamwork.

Social Communication Barriers

Struggling to understand speech, especially in noisy settings, can make social interactions frustrating. Individuals may avoid conversations or social gatherings due to the fear of misunderstanding others.

Diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder

If you suspect auditory processing difficulties, seeking professional evaluation is essential. At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we conduct specialized auditory tests to assess how well the brain processes sound.

The evaluation typically includes:

Hearing tests: To rule out hearing loss as the cause of listening difficulties.
Speech recognition tests: Assessing how well an individual understands speech in different noise environments.
Auditory memory tests: Measuring the ability to recall and process spoken information.
Sound discrimination tests: Checking if an individual can differentiate similar-sounding words or tones.

Treatment and Management of Auditory Processing Issues

Auditory Training

Specialized exercises and programs can help retrain the brain to process sounds more effectively. These programs may include listening activities, speech therapy, and memory exercises. This training is the most beneficial treatment for APD and offered at Hearing and Balance Specialists of Kansas City.

Environmental Modifications

Making adjustments to the environment can improve listening conditions. Some useful strategies include:

Reducing background noise in classrooms and workplaces
Using assistive listening devices, such as FM systems
Facing the speaker directly to enhance visual cues

Communication Strategies

Individuals with auditory processing issues can benefit from using:

Note-taking or recording verbal instructions
Asking speakers to speak clearly and slowly
Repeating back instructions to ensure understanding

Speech and Language Therapy

For children and adults struggling with communication due to auditory processing difficulties, speech therapy can help improve language comprehension and verbal expression.

Support and Advocacy

Parents, educators, and employers can provide additional support by understanding APD and implementing accommodations that help individuals succeed in learning and work environments.

How Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City Can Help

At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we provide comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment plans for individuals with auditory processing difficulties. Our expert audiologists use advanced diagnostic tools to assess auditory processing skills and recommend tailored interventions.

If you or a loved one is struggling with auditory processing, our team is here to help you find the best solutions to improve listening and communication skills.

Contact Us Today

Don’t let auditory processing challenges interfere with your daily life. At Hearing & Balance Specialists of Kansas City, we specialize in diagnosing and treating auditory processing difficulties to help individuals improve their listening and communication skills. Reach out and schedule today at any of our locations below:

Lee’s Summit, MO: (816) 507-8885
Overland Park, KS: (913) 521-9090
Kansas City, MO: (816) 800-8020