Auditory Processing Disorder

NDCS is an organisation that supports deaf children and their families. If a deaf child also had APD we would provide any of our usual support and services as requested by the family. However, if a child has normal hearing levels with APD we are currently unable to provide support or services.

Deafness occurs when one or more parts of the ear or auditory (hearing) nerve does not function as it should. However, the ability to listen to sounds also involves memory, learning, vision and attention, as well as hearing. If any of these functions are impaired then hearing and listening may be affected.

Children with APD may have difficulties with listening, or making sense of the sounds heard, particularly in environments with a lot of background noise. They usually have normal levels of hearing and normal intelligence.

Some parents realise their child has difficulties with understanding from an early age, but often APD becomes more obvious when children start at school.

The cause of APD is often unknown. In children, APD may be associated with conditions such as dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, autism, autism spectrum disorder, specific language impairment, pervasive developmental disorder, or developmental delay.

Useful websites:

• APDUK
• The Institute of Hearing Research has published a booklet aimed at parents of children with APD. Click to download a free copy. 
• National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), USA
  
  

Useful websites for professionals:

• British Society of Audiology (BSA) / Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Special Interest Group for professionals
• BSA/APD Position Statement, March 2007
  
  

For details of current research studies into APD:

• Institute of Hearing Research / Medical Research Council (IHR/MRC)
• National Knowledge Week for Hearing APD Updates