Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects the way the brain interprets and makes sense of sounds, despite hearing sensitivity often being within the normal range. People with APD can hear sounds clearly but may have difficulty understanding, organising, or responding to auditory information effectively.
Our experienced paediatric audiologists provide comprehensive APD assessments and will guide you through the results, recommendations, and available therapy options.
What is an APD Assessment?
An APD assessment is designed to evaluate a range of auditory processing skills. During the assessment, a series of specialised tests are completed, with each test measuring a different aspect of how the brain processes sound.
The results help create an individual profile of auditory strengths and challenges. This information is essential in determining the most appropriate management and therapy plan, as APD presents differently in every person. Effective treatment is tailored to the individual’s specific needs rather than following a standard approach.
Who Can Be Assessed?
Newcastle Hearing Centre can assess children aged 6-17 who have normal hearing levels but experience difficulties processing auditory information.
While APD can occur at any age, assessments are most commonly undertaken in school-aged children. Many children with APD experience challenges in learning environments because they struggle to accurately interpret and understand what they hear.
Signs That May Suggest APD
Parents, carers, or teachers may consider an APD assessment if a child:
- Frequently has difficulty following spoken instructions
- Struggles to understand speech in noisy environments
- Appears easily distracted or inattentive
- Often asks for repetition or clarification
- Has difficulty learning in classrooms or group settings
- Finds verbal information difficult to remember or understand
- Experiences challenges with reading, spelling, or language-based tasks
- Demonstrates weaker verbal communication skills
- Has reduced confidence or self-esteem related to learning
- Appears to have a hearing problem despite normal hearing test results
APD and Other Conditions
The symptoms of APD can overlap with those seen in other developmental, language, or cognitive conditions, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For this reason, APD can sometimes be difficult to identify without specialised assessment.
APD specifically relates to difficulties in the processing of auditory information and is not caused by a language, cognitive, or behavioural disorder. However, APD can occur alongside these conditions. A thorough assessment is therefore important to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate recommendations.
Our senior audiologists have extensive experience in the assessment and diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder and work closely with families to provide clear, practical guidance following testing.
Appointment Information
APD assessments are conducted over approximately 2 hours and include mini breaks. You will be provided a detailed written report outlining findings and recommendations. We offer morning appointments for reliable results as the assessments require sustained listening, concentration and effort.
- We require a recent hearing test showing normal hearing to proceed (within the last 6 months).
- If you have had speech or psychology assessments elsewhere, please provide us with those results as it will help with planning testing for your child.
A booking deposit is required to secure an APD assessment appointment due to the length of the consultation.
