Rewiring Your Hearing: An Introduction to Auditory Processing Therapy
If you have children of a certain age, you might have heard talk about auditory processing therapy. Is it just a trend – or an overreaction to everyday childhood distractibility – or can it actually be a powerful tool to help your child overcome hearing-related challenges? And can it be helpful for adults, too? The experts at NYC Hearing Associates are here to answer all of your questions.
- March 31, 2025
What is APD?
Have you noticed that you can’t usually pinpoint where a sound is coming from? Do you struggle to understand people when they speak too quickly or when the environment is too noisy? Do you have trouble remembering verbal instructions? Is your child experiencing a speech-language delay? All of these are symptoms of an auditory processing disorder (APD).
APD occurs when the brain can’t properly process the sound information coming from the ears. In other words, while your ears may be working just fine – converting sound waves into electrical signals – your brain struggles to interpret those signals correctly. Instead of an efficient superhighway to your consciousness, the sound signals must navigate through the proverbial back roads, full of potholes, dead ends, and other pitfalls. This is why it can take someone with APD longer to make sense of what they hear – and why it can sometimes be mistaken for hearing loss.
How Does It Present?
APD affects four key areas of hearing, and the degree of difficulty in each area varies from person to person. That’s why two individuals with APD can experience – and respond to – the condition in very different ways. Common challenges may include:
- Picking up on minor differences between similar-sounding words
- Understanding of specific words through a lot of background noise
- Memory of information or instructions delivered verbally
- Recalling the specific sequence of a series of words
Who Is at Risk?
Some people are more likely to develop APD due to certain medical or developmental factors. In children, risk factors may include:
- Being born prematurely;
- Low birth weight;
- Genetics (it can run in families); or
- Frequent ear infections.
- Experiencing a stroke or head trauma;
- Lead poisoning;
- Seizure disorders like epilepsy; and
- Age-related changes in auditory processing.
While many adults with APD have lived with it since childhood, the condition can also appear later in life. In adults, risk factors may include:
What is Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy?
At first glance, this might seem like an insurmountable obstacle. However, while there is no cure, auditory processing disorder treatment is well within reach. With the right strategies – guided by a knowledgeable audiologist – you can train your brain and improve how you process the sounds around you. Auditory training helps create new neural pathways and equips you with practical coping skills to better manage the challenges of APD.
Each APD management strategy is unique, but common tools in the audiologist’s arsenal include sensory processing disorder medication, auditory training, and speech-language therapy. Non-medical interventions, like managing your environment, can make a big difference in how you navigate your world. Assistive listening devices, such as hearing aids and other devices, may also be helpful. And for some individuals, music-based therapy can be a powerful tool in the treatment process.
Do I Have an Auditory Processing Disorder?
Note: This quiz is not intended for diagnostic purposes – only an audiologist or hearing specialist can confirm a diagnosis of APD.
#1 When you’re in a crowded place, how do you feel about following conversations?
A) I can hear people talking, but it’s hard to make out the words.
B) I can follow along, but it takes extra effort.
C) No problem! I can hear and understand just fine.
#2 Do you often ask people to repeat themselves, even when you know you heard them?
A) Yes, all the time!
B) Sometimes, especially if there’s background noise.
C) Not really, I usually get it the first time.
#3 When someone gives you a list of instructions, what happens?
A) I only remember one or two things and forget the rest.
B) I get it, but I need to really concentrate.
C) No issues, I can follow along easily.
#4 How do you feel about talking on the phone?
A) It’s frustrating – I miss a lot of words and have to guess what’s being said.
B) I manage, but I prefer texting.
C) No problem, I can hear everything clearly.
#5 Do you struggle to tell similar-sounding words apart (like “cat” and “hat”)?
A) Yes, especially in fast conversations.
B) Sometimes, but it’s not a big issue.
C) No, I can tell the difference easily.
#6 Do you ever misunderstand jokes, sarcasm, or indirect speech?
A) All the time. I take things very literally.
B) Sometimes, but I usually catch on.
C) No, I pick up on context and tone easily.
#7 Do you find loud or chaotic environments exhausting?
A) Yes! I get overwhelmed and shut down.
B) It’s tiring, but I can push through.
C) Not really – I thrive in busy spaces.
Results
Mostly As:
You might relate to many common signs of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). If these challenges sound familiar, consider speaking with an audiologist at NYC Hearing Associates to explore your options for evaluation and support.
Mostly Bs:
You may experience occasional auditory processing difficulties. While they might not be severe, a visit to the audiologist can still pay dividends. In the meantime, paying attention to your listening environment and simple strategies like reducing background noise could help.
Mostly Cs:
Your auditory processing skills seem strong! You likely don’t struggle with APD, but a hearing check-up is always a good idea if you ever notice changes in your ability to understand speech.
Your Personalized Hearing Journey Starts at NYC Hearing Associates
Auditory processing therapy can be truly life-changing for people navigating the challenges of APD. Difficulty hearing and understanding what’s being said can place a heavy mental load on you – making it harder to keep up with the pace of everyday life. With the right support team behind you, you can train your brain to recognize sounds more easily and develop social strategies that strengthen your ability to hear and connect with others. The first step is a hearing evaluation to understand the issues you are experiencing and get the diagnosis that will inform your personalized professional treatment plan. Get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment today!
