What is it like to have Auditory Processing Disorder?

Written by Dr. Chelsea Anderson, PhD, CCC-SLP

What Does Auditory Processing Disorder Sound Like?

 Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) can make it hard to understand what people are saying, even if there’s no problem with hearing itself. Imagine listening to a radio that sometimes cuts out, or trying to hear someone talking in a crowded, noisy room. For people with APD, sounds and words don’t come through clearly, which can make everyday listening a challenge.

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?

 Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) happens when the brain has trouble processing sounds correctly. The ears can hear just fine, but the brain struggles to understand what the ears hear. This can make it hard to understand spoken language, especially when there’s background noise or fast, complex speech.

What Does It Feel Like to Have APD?

 For someone with APD, listening can feel confusing. Here are some common experiences people with APD may have:

1.  Words Sound Jumbled: Sometimes, words sound mixed up or unclear. For example, “please sit down” might sound like “peas sit clown.”

2.  Background Noise Is Distracting: When there’s noise in the background, like in a classroom or busy store, it’s much harder to understand what people are saying. The brain can’t easily focus on the main voice, so everything blends together.

3. Slow Response Time: People with APD may take a little longer to respond in conversations because they need extra time to understand what was said.

4. Misunderstanding Directions: Following directions with multiple steps can be tough. For example, “Go to the shelf, grab the red book, and bring it here,” may be hard to remember or get right.

5.  Difficulty with Fast Speech: When people talk fast, it’s harder to keep up. People with APD may need others to slow down and speak clearly.

Why Does APD Happen?

APD is related to how the brain processes sound. Instead of hearing and understanding sounds all at once, the brain has trouble sorting through the sounds and matching them to words and meaning. This breakdown can happen for different reasons, including

• Trouble filtering background noise: APD makes it hard to ignore sounds that aren’t important.

• Difficulty recognizing sounds: Sometimes, sounds don’t “click” as words right away, which can make it hard to understand the meaning.

•  Timing issues: The brain might not keep up with the timing of sounds, making fast speech sound messy or confusing.

How Can You Help Someone with APD?

 If you know someone with APD, here are some simple ways to help:

• Speak clearly and slowly: Give them a little extra time to understand.

•  Reduce background noise: Move to a quieter place or turn off loud appliances.

•  Use visual aids: Pictures, notes, or gestures can make it easier to follow along.

What’s Next for People with APD?

While APD doesn’t have a cure, treatments and strategies can make life easier. With the right help, people with APD can improve their listening skills and enjoy clearer communication.

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Does this sound familiar? Take a look at our APD Checklist to see if a Consultation is right for you!