Low-Gain Hearing Aids and Remote Microphones for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

By Dr. Jacy Manning, AuD, PhD, CCC-A

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition where people have trouble understanding sounds or speech, even though their hearing is normal. People with APD might find it difficult to process auditory information, especially in noisy or distracting environments. Traditional treatments often focus on improving listening skills and making changes to the environment. However, new tools, like low-gain hearing aids and remote microphones, are becoming more popular in helping people with APD hear more clearly.

What Are Low-Gain Hearing Aids?

Low-gain hearing aids are devices that amplify sound at a much lower level than traditional hearing aids. These hearing aids are for people who don’t have hearing loss but still need help hearing in challenging environments. For individuals with APD, low-gain hearing aids can provide a subtle boost that helps them process sounds more easily, especially in places with a lot of background noise.

How Do Remote Microphone Systems Help?

Remote microphone systems work by picking up the sound from a specific speaker (like a teacher) and sending it directly to the listener’s hearing aids. This setup can be especially helpful in noisy environments like classrooms, where it can be hard to focus on one voice. With a remote microphone, the speaker’s voice is delivered more clearly to the listener, reducing the distractions from background noise and improving speech comprehension.

Low-Gain Hearing Aids vs. Remote Microphone Systems

Low-gain hearing aids and remote microphone systems are both great tools for improving hearing, but they work in different ways.

• Low-gain hearing aids amplify sounds in the environment and are worn at all times. They provide continuous support, helping the user hear more clearly in various situations, including noisy or crowded areas.

• Remote microphone systems, on the other hand, are designed for specific listening situations. They capture the speaker's voice and send it directly to the listener, making them especially useful in settings like classrooms or large meetings where there’s a lot of background noise.

What Does the Research Say?

Research shows that combining low-gain hearing aids with remote microphone systems can benefit children with APD. One study found that remote microphone systems improved classroom listening for children with APD without affecting their ability to focus or hear other sounds. Another study highlighted how remote microphones can help children with APD understand speech better, even in noisy places.

When Low-Gain Hearing Aids Might Not Be Right

While low-gain hearing aids can be helpful for many people with APD, they are not the best choice for everyone. In some cases, they may not work well:

• Amblyaudia: This condition occurs when there’s a big difference in how each ear processes sound. Amplifying sound in these cases can make the problem worse.

• Sound Sensitivity: Some people are sensitive to sound, and even low-level amplification may feel uncomfortable or be too much.

• Other Conditions: It’s important to make sure that the person has APD and not another condition, like attention or cognitive issues, that wouldn’t benefit from hearing aids.

The Importance of Medical Oversight

Low-gain hearing aids should not be used without the guidance of a medical professional. An audiologist or ENT specialist can help determine if they’re the right solution. They’ll also make sure the devices are programmed properly to meet the individual’s needs.

Why Personalized Care Is Key

At The Auditory Processing Clinic, we believe in treating each person as unique. Our team works closely with each patient to find the best treatment plan. This might include auditory training, making changes to the environment, and using low-gain hearing aids or remote microphones when appropriate.

If you or someone you know is having trouble processing sounds, contact us today for an evaluation. We’ll work with you to create a personalized plan that helps improve listening skills and overall understanding!