As we get older, it’s not uncommon to notice a change in hearing. However, there’s one hearing issue to be concerned about even as a young adult; auditory processing disorder (APD).
As we get older, it’s not uncommon to notice a change in hearing. However, there’s one hearing issue to be concerned about even as a young adult; auditory processing disorder (APD). An auditory processing disorder is a medical condition where people have a hard time understanding someone when they talk.
Again, this is something you’d expect to hear from someone who is in retirement, not someone in their mid 20s to early 30s. However, it is possible and in fact, there are a few signs that point to it.
It’s Difficult to Understand Someone Talking Fast
Listening to someone talk fast is sometimes hard, even if you have perfect hearing. But when someone has APD, it can become almost impossible. This is one of the first signs that you have APD. Furthermore, it’s not just rapid speech that becomes hard to understand. It can be listening to someone on the phone and not being able to follow along in longer conversations.Spelling Becomes Harder
Finding things difficult to spell is another sign of APD. You might be wondering how this is possible. With a lack of proper hearing, it can be difficult to comprehend what is being said. So, if you’re trying to spell something you didn’t fully understand, you may write down the wrong spelling of the word.You Have Difficulty Hearing High Frequencies and Volumes
This is a symptom that’s associated with a variety of hearing problems. Being unable to hear something, despite having the volume on full blast, is another warning sign. It can range from anything such as your television to incoming traffic. If you’re having a problem hearing high frequencies, contact our specialists for further evaluation.You’ve Lost Interest in Music
Having an APD affects more than just your hearing. It can also affect your mental health and emotional health. Because you’re unable to hear things properly, you may find yourself avoiding things you used to enjoy. You might even feel ashamed, depressed and have anxiety about trying to hear. And since one of the most pleasurable hobbies is listening to music, it’s also not uncommon to find yourself turning the volume up louder just to hear at what you consider a normal level. If these signs sound familiar, the next step is getting a proper diagnosis. What’s often called APD is also known as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), and it’s identified through a specific testing process, not just a standard hearing test. A hearing specialist typically starts with a full hearing evaluation to rule out hearing loss, then follows up with a battery of specialized listening tests done in a quiet, controlled setting to see how your brain processes sound, not just whether you can hear it.If these signs sound familiar, the next step is getting a proper diagnosis. What’s often called APD is also known as central auditory processing disorder (CAPD), and it’s identified through a specific testing process, not just a standard hearing test. A hearing specialist typically starts with a full hearing evaluation to rule out hearing loss, then follows up with a battery of specialized listening tests done in a quiet, controlled setting to see how your brain processes sound, not just whether you can hear it.
If you experience some of these signs and think you have an APD, Beltone Skoric Hearing Aid Center has you covered. Contact us to schedule an appointment today!
