Auditory Processing
Disorder

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a term to describe the distortion between how the brain interprets sounds that we hear and how it processes it.

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Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a term to describe how the brain interprets sounds that we hear, for example, the difference in pitch between two sounds.

APD is a hearing problem that affects about 3%–5% of school-aged children.

Children and adults with this condition can detect sounds at normal levels, but cannot process and understand what they hear in the same way other people do. This is because their ears and brain don’t fully coordinate. Something interferes with the way the brain recognises and interprets sounds, especially speech.

When APD occurs in children, it can lead to learning difficulties and sometimes behavioural issues as they struggle to process sounds and maintain concentration.

A parent, specialist or teacher may suspect a child with APD if they have:-

Difficulty following instruction
Difficulty understanding speech in the presence of background noise
Difficulty learning in background noise
Difficulty with direction of sound (localisation)
Difficulty with reading and spelling
Becomes easily distracted
Poor verbal skills
Behavioural and self-esteem issues

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What is APD auditory processing disorder

What age can we assess for Auditory Processing Disorder

APD tests can only be performed on children from 7.5 years old and on adults. The tests we use have normative data from 7.5 years old plus. There may also be a maturation effect with kids. If a child is younger than 7.5, they need to have other reasons ruled out such as middle ear infections, speech language developmental disorders, etc.

Who should get tested for APD

Assessing Auditory Processing Disorder for Children

If a child is suspected to have APD then he or she can be assessed over two appointments booked within 3-4 weeks of each other:

First appointment, 60 minutes, booked in as a 9 or 9.30am appt only. We take a detailed case history to learn about the said child’s learning and hearing skills, and if there is any history of hearing loss or middle ear disease. A detailed hearing assessment is undertaken to measure hearing thresholds, speech discrimination, middle ear test, acoustic reflexes test, and cochlear function test (if required). If there is no hearing loss an auditory processing screening test is administered.

Results will be discussed at the conclusion of the appointment. If testing shows your child may have an APD, a second appointment will be recommended for a comprehensive AP assessment. A questionnaire will be sent home with you to complete in-conjunction with the teacher/specialist. The questionnaire is emailed back to us before the second appointment so our audiologist can prepare the APD assessment.

$250.00 - $299.55, payment at appointment.

Medicare: Medicare rebates of $58.50 or $108.05 with a medical referral for this appointment only. You must claim the rebate from Medicare.

Health Fund: Check with your Health Fund if you have audiology cover and at what level, as APD appointments may be covered under your policy. Rebate to be claimed by you from your Health Fund.

Second appointment, 90 minutes, booked as a 9 or 9.30am appt only. Intermittent breaks are provided to ensure the child remains alert and energised.

$750.00, payment at appointment.

Medicare: No Medicare rebate for this appointment.

Health Fund: Check with your Health Fund if you have audiology cover and at what level, as APD appointments may be covered under your policy. Rebate to be claimed by you from your Health Fund.

Assessing Auditory Processing Disorder For Adults

An Adult APD test can be administered in one appointment. If you are an adult wanting to book and AP assessment, we recommend booking a tele-health consultation with our auditory processing specialists first. This will allow us to better prepare the assessment battery for your consultation. An adult AP test takes about 90 minutes depending on the test battery.

First appointment: Free 15 minute Tele-health discussion to determine AP risk.

Second appointment: 90 minutes in-clinic appointment.

$750.00, payment at second appointment.

Medicare: Medicare rebates of $58.50 or $108.05 with a medical referral. You must claim the rebate from Medicare. Health Fund: Check with your Health Fund if you have audiology cover and at what level, as APD appointments may be covered under your policy. Rebate to be claimed by you from your Health Fund.

How is APD testing done

What are the results and outcome of the APD testing

Management of APD

Management of APD involves a team approach with other professionals. For a child, these include Speech Pathologists and Teachers. This typically involves three approaches:

Environment modifications such as seating the child away from distracting noises
Using a FM system to direct important sound directly to wearer and reduce unwanted background and speech noise
The use of intervention programs designed to improve auditory processing in children
Teaching compensatory strategies so the child can cope better in daily listening environments

How can APD be managed or treated

APD Specialists

Auditory Processing Disorder assessments are available at the below locations by Audiologists trained in APD. You can request a free, 15 minute phone discussion with an audiologist to advise whether APD testing is required for your child or you.

Dr Ally – Bondi Junction

Michael – West Pennant Hills (Wed, Thurs, Fri) or Neutral Bay (Tues)

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