Auditory processing disorder is known as a hearing problem that affects about 5% of school-aged children. The ears and brain of kids with this condition don’t fully coordinate making it harder for them to process what they hear in the same way other kids. APD is considered to be a rare case and as such, a definitive cure to rid kids from the disorder has not been found yet. There are a few treatment options however parents can consider to help their children find relief from their distress.
It should be noted that treatment of APD generally focuses on three primary areas. This includes changing the learning or communication environment, recruiting higher-order skills to help compensate for the disorder, and remediation of the auditory deficit itself. Since there is no cure for APD just yet, these three areas will be the ones parents along with their child’s attending physicians will have to focus on.
The first thing that should be considered is with regards to environmental modifications. Since APD affected children have hard time processing information, parents need to provide their kids with adequate learning environment. This can be done fairly easy as parents can design their room on their own. With that being said, what about during class?
When your child is attending classes it is best to discuss with your teacher the condition that your child is facing. This will then help parents work hand in hand with their teachers providing suitable classroom setting for them. This includes environmental modifications such as classroom acoustics, placement, and seating may help. It is good to hear that modern age and technology has gone a very long way and has introduced quite a number of innovations in the past. As a result, an audiologist may suggest ways to improve the listening environment. This includes using making use of Auditory Trainers.
Auditory Trainers is considered to be a special type of amplification device that is commonly used in classrooms. With their help teachers will be wearing a receiver and a lapel-type microphone to transmit the speaker’s voice in a direct and precise manner. One of its main features is that it allows the speaker to transmit information without the attenuation caused by physical distance and background noise. This works pretty well with APD affected children allowing them to receive information in a timely and effective manner. Other noteworthy options include closing windows and doors to reduce distracting noise and using visual aids to help children process lessons which you can discuss with their teachers.
Speech therapy is also known to provide a good measure of help to children with auditory processing disorder allowing them develop active listening skills as well as learn how to use language appropriately in social situations. There is also auditory training therapy which is known as an alternative treatment for kids who have trouble processing what they hear.
Regardless of your choices, it is best to consult these to your doctor as you work to find the best course of action with regards to treating APD. Online information has been a very good helping hand allowing online users to meet other individuals who have gone through the same experience. As a result, they can engage in a discussion and share their thoughts and insights about APD. Let us work together in treating APD.