Condition Auditory processing disorder

Condition Auditory processing disorder

What is auditory processing disorder?

Auditory processing disorder (APD) has similar symptoms to deafness, but it is not a hearing problem, although it is possible to have both APD and hearing loss. APD is a problem with the process of listening, which is an active, cognitive (mental) process. Hearing, on the other hand, is a passive, physical process.

APD is where you have difficulty making sense of sounds, so you might:

  • mishear sounds and words
  • find noisy environments overwhelming
  • perform better in quiet settings
  • find it difficult to understand strong accents or fast talkers
  • have trouble following verbal directions
  • find it hard to follow conversations
  • have trouble with spelling or phonics

What is auditory processing disorder?

APD often starts in childhood, but it can develop later in life.

There might not be a clear reason for the onset of APD, but it may be linked to:

  • genetics
  • complications at birth
  • regular ear infections
  • head injury
  • neurodivergent conditions, such as dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and developmental delay

Next steps

Step 1. Check out our advice

Browse our advice and resources to learn more about your condition and ways to manage it.
Step 2. Contact a Healthcare Professional

If you need further support or have concerns, a Healthcare Professional is here to help. Reach out for professional medical advice tailored to you.
Step 3. View our services

Discover services and support options available to help you with your health and wellbeing.

Managing your health

Adults

There are a number of national and local organisations who can support you and help you manage health conditions at home.

Children and young people

We've created health advice and resources to help you confidently manage health conditions at home. Browse our expert guidance on self-care - tailored to your specific needs - and practical support to start seeing the benefits to your wellbeing and independence.

Audiology Service

  • Adults

Assessments and treatment for hearing and balance problems, including hearing aids and devices.

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Speech and Language Therapy Service

  • Adults

Help for difficulties with speech, voice, language, communication, or swallowing.

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Audiology Service for children and young people

  • Children & young people

Hearing and balance assessments from ages 0-18, plus hearing aid testing and fitting, rehabilitation, and other treatments.

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Speech and Language Therapy Service for children and young people

  • Children & young people

Help for children and young people up to the age of 19 whose communication and/or swallowing difficulties impact on everyday life.

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External support

Further information on the NHS UK website

British Acoustic Neuroma Association (BANA)

BANA is a charity for people affected by an acoustic neuroma. They provide support, information, and research opportunities.

Deafblind UK

Support for people with combined sight and hearing loss to live the life they want.

Ménière’s Society

The UK's leading charity for people with vestibular (inner ear) disorders that cause dizziness and imbalance. They offer support, research, and awareness.

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People

A charity that trains hearing dogs to alert deaf people to certain sounds and danger signals in the home, workplace or public settings, providing life-changing independence and security.

Sense

A charity supporting and campaigning for adults and children who are deafblind. Services include one-to-one support to help people live independently, communicator guides, housing, holidays, and employment opportunities.

Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID) (formerly Action on Hearing Loss)

The largest charity in the UK campaigning, lobbying, and raising awareness of deafness and hearing loss.

Royal Association for Deaf People (RAD)

RAD provides services to meet the needs of deaf and deafblind people.

Tinnitus UK (formerly the British Tinnitus Association)

An independent charity supporting people who experience tinnitus. They aim to educate about prevention and campaign for effective treatments and research programmes.