Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) and Testing
An auditory processing disorder (APD) is when the brain cannot use what is heard efficiently or correctly, even when a standard hearing test is normal. People with auditory processing disorders have symptoms similar to those with learning disabilities, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or language processing disorders. Integrated Hearing Health wants to help gather the information you need. Our APD evaluations include a complete hearing evaluation and a battery of APD tests, as well as a comprehensive report with recommendations.
The symptoms of APD are similar to other learning problems and may include:
- Daydreaming/poor concentration
- Trouble remembering or following instructions
- Misunderstanding what was said
- Trouble with reading or spelling
- Asking for repetition
- Poor musical abilities
- High volume set for TV or radio
These symptoms are also present in the learning disabled as well as those with language processing problems or AD/HD. You may be referred to other professionals for additional testing to be sure of the 'whole picture' of your child's learning abilities. Some risk factors for APD include:
- Frequent ear infections
- Premature birth
- History of speech, occupational, or physical therapy
- Mixed dominance
- Family history of learning problems
Requirements for APD testing:
- 7 years of age for full evaluation, 5 years of age for screening
- No active ear infection/middle ear fluid
- No previous diagnosis of autism, Asperger's, or related spectral disorder
- IQ within normal limits
- Any AD/HD must be well-controlled
- Hearing within normal limits
Preparations for APD testing:
Your child should be well rested and should have eaten a regular meal/snack before the appointment. If your child is not feeling well or is tired, please call the office and reschedule.Testing can take up to 90 minutes, although there are breaks in between individual tests. If your child takes medication for ADD or AD/HD they must take their medication as usual. Not taking medication as prescribed will interfere with accurate test results. If prescribed medication is not taken as directed before the test, your child will be rescheduled and charged a rescheduling fee of $150.
