Auditory Processing Disorder
The signs of auditory processing disorder, common myths about it, how it’s diagnosed, and how to support someone with it.
Files
What’s in it
Symptoms
- Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments.
- Mishearing words, even with normal hearing ability.
- Needing instructions repeated or written down.
Age & Gender
- Often identified in childhood, but can persist into adulthood.
- Diagnosed more often in males.
- Females are often missed due to masking.
Misconceptions
- It’s not a problem with the ears.
- It’s not the same as ADHD, though they often co-occur.
- It’s not a sign of low intelligence or inattention.
Diagnosis
- Diagnosed by an audiologist, not a GP.
- Tests measure how the brain processes sound.
- Often identified alongside dyslexia or ADHD.
Support options
- Auditory training exercises to improve processing.
- Environmental changes to reduce background noise.
- Assistive technology such as live captions or remote microphones.
Support
- Face the person when speaking, and speak clearly and slowly.
- Reduce background noise in meetings where possible.
- Provide written follow-ups to verbal instructions.
This information isn't a diagnostic tool. If you recognise these symptoms in yourself or others, please contact a doctor.