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You are here : home > Child's Healthcare > Dyslexia > Dealing with auditory processing disorder

Dealing with Auditory Processing Disorder

Dealing with Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory processing disorder in children is a disorder related to dyslexia. Know more about auditory processing disorder, its symptoms and treatments.

The human brain is designed in such a way that it monitors the action and interaction of the entire body. In the case of hearing, it is the brain which helps us to interpret the kind of sound we hear. However, sometimes our brain fails to interpret the word heard in an accurate manner. For example we hear 'bun' instead of 'gun' or 'bat' instead of 'hat'. This happens rarely with all humans. Some children face this problem frequently. Such children are said to be having auditory processing disorder. Read on and know more about what is auditory processing disorder, its symptoms and treatments.

What is auditory processing disorder?

Auditory processing disorder is a disorder which falls under the dyslexia disorder category. It is also known by many names like auditory perception problem, auditory comprehension deficit, central auditory dysfunction, central deafness, word deafness or central auditory processing disorder. Children facing this disorder are unable to make out the normal differences in similar sounding words. This is common when they are in very noisy and cluttered environment. They are unable to hear even when words are clear and loud to hear.
It is a neurological disorder which is caused due to birth injuries or some genetic reasons. In rare cases it can also be caused due to ear infection during infancy. This problem is caused even when a child is able to hear normally. The main cause for this disorder is not known. However, research is in progress to find the exact causes of auditory processing disorder.

Symptoms of auditory processing disorder

Children facing auditory processing disorder show the following common symptoms. However people fail to notice these symptoms as they seem to be normal in children.
  • Difficulty in listening when more than one person in talking
  • Difficulty to understand oral communication
  • Taking a lot of time to communicate verbally
  • Difficulty to interpret the communication to others
  • Poor academic performance
  • Finding it difficult to read
  • Inattentiveness and difficultly to remember verbal communication
  • Poor vocabulary

Treatments for auditory processing disorder

There are many treatments available to help a child with auditory processing disorder. However, researchers are working hard to develop a much advanced treatment. If you provide any such treatment to your child you should make sure that it is safe and well researched. You can take help of an expert to select any such treatment to suit your child. Here are some of the commonly used treatments.
Modifications in environment
You can take an audiologist's help to modify the environment favorable to listening. You can also talk to the child's school if possible to follow the classroom acoustics. You can also try to change the seating arrangement of your child to make it easy to listen.
Hearing aid
There are electronic devices know as auditory trainers for improving listening skills. These devices help a child to concentrate more on the speaker. It also helps to cope with the background noise. There are some more devices which can be used in addition to a hearing head. This includes a microphone used by teacher and headset used by students to communicate with each other.
Language building games and toys
There are many games and toys available which help to improve language and vocabulary of children. It also helps children to improve speech. Such games should be played regularly to help the child in an interesting manner.
Other techniques
You can also help your child by using other techniques suggested by physicians. The techniques like auditory memory enhancement or auditory integration training may prove to be helpful. You should use these techniques under an expert's prescription only.
Your love and support will definitely help your child to improve. But an early diagnosis and treatment is essential to cope with the auditory processing disorder.
Constant effort to build language and hearing skills are vital. As time will pass you will find many other useful ways to deal with this disorder. Maintaining a positive attitude and keeping up hope is equally important to helping your child. Remember, every child can do better.



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Kintu
Kintu.12 years ago
Auditory processing disorders are often referred to as central auditory processing disorders.It can occur without any kind of hearing loss. It is a big challenge for those suffering with this.
 
 
 
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Norah
Norah.12 years ago
my daughter at the age of 4 had been diagnosed with a hearing and speech problem. she could not keep up with her friends. Five or six months into the school year she became withdrawn, would hide to avoid school and also began exhibiting aggressive behavior towards others. We went through hearing tests and added speech therapy twice a week. When bearing became difficult, we sent to her special school.
 
 
 
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Madhura
Madhura.12 years ago
very informative article. right treatment can help in dealing with this disorder in kids. Really helpful article.
 
 
 
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