We can see auditory processing disorders in adults in two different ways. It has either gone undiagnosed since childhood, or it can develop later on in life for a variety of reasons. What matters is that you see a specially-trained audiologist for a central auditory processing test.
A common hallmark associated with auditory processing disorder (APD) is difficulty listening in the presence of background noise or poor acoustical environments. This could also include the inability to recognize the differences and similarities between sounds, knowing where a sound is coming from, difficulty understanding speech in competing noise and/or speech signals of degraded quality. Also, recognizing auditory patterns and processing the temporal (time-based) elements of auditory signals can be impaired.
A confirmation of APD is also, in a way, a validation that there is a reason why you find yourself struggling to focus or follow along during a conversation. One of our audiologists can recommend accommodations for at home, in social situations, and in the workplace to help to reduce the impact that your hearing/processing ability has on your work performance. And again, there are always specialized treatment plans available.
If any of the information provided in this post resonated with you and are curious about how central auditory processing testing works, contact us at London Audiology Consultants.
