Receive an Auditory Processing Disorder Evaluation in Lancaster, PA
Some people have difficulty communicating, following instructions, or understanding what was said even though they have had a hearing test that shows “normal” hearing. The next step for an adult or child who is experiencing these issues is an auditory processing disorder (APD) evaluation, which can be performed by an expert audiologist at Hearing Smile Professionals in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Our audiology clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating APD. Patients in Lancaster and the surrounding area consistently turn to us for assistance with APD because we offer convenient scheduling and no wait times. You can also feel confident partnering with us because our owner, Dr. Kamal Elliot, has over 25 years of experience and is a recognized speaker for national conferences.
What Is an Auditory Processing Disorder?
An individual with an APD does not understand what they hear in the same way others do, even when the sounds are clear and loud enough to be heard. Due to a coordination issue between the individual’s ears and brain, they may miss information in conversation, often ask for words to be repeated, and struggle to follow verbal directions. In addition to hindering communication and development, an APD can interfere with many aspects of life, including work and academic performance, social relationships, and emotional well-being.
There are various types of APDs, each of which has specific characteristics and requires a unique treatment approach. With that said, symptoms can sometimes overlap, and in some cases, individuals can experience multiple types. Some of the most common APD types include:
- Decoding APD – This type of APD causes someone to mishear speech without realizing it. If you have decoding APD, you may have a hard time distinguishing similar sounds and keeping up with conversations, especially if there is a lot of background noise.
- Prosodic APD – If you have prosodic APD, you may find it difficult to understand the nonverbal aspects of communication (e.g., emphasis, implied meaning, inflection, pitch, and tone) as well as cause and effect. People with this type of APD often speak in monotone.
- Integration APD – This type of APD makes it harder for someone to multitask while they’re listening to something. It can also cause trouble synthesizing information so that it can be utilized.
- Organizational APD – If you have a hard time following long strings of directions, you might have organizational APD. This type of APD makes it difficult to remember categories of information, especially in specific sequences.
Although auditory processing disorder often emerges during childhood or adolescence, it can and does affect people of all ages. Adults with an APD may struggle with academic or job performance, have difficulty understanding what was said especially in noisy environments, or simply believe they are poor listeners. Anyone with these symptoms—regardless of their age—can request a consultation with an APD expert at Hearing Smile Professionals.
What Does an Auditory Processing Disorder Evaluation Involve?
At Hearing Smile Professionals, an auditory processing disorder evaluation begins with a thorough discussion of the issues at hand, the treatments already tried, and the results achieved. Next, an audiologist will perform in-depth auditory testing using state-of-the-art techniques and technologies, including highly tuned and calibrated hearing instruments, in a soundproof room. After we analyze the results, we can rule out or diagnose an APD and, if needed, create a customized therapy plan to manage it. To accommodate our patients’ busy schedules, we are pleased to offer APD therapy either in person or virtually.
The Importance of a Prompt Diagnosis
When an APD is diagnosed and managed early, many listening and learning problems can be avoided. Whether you are a parent or teacher of a child who is showing signs of an APD, or you have symptoms yourself, you are encouraged to contact Hearing Smile Professionals to schedule a comprehensive auditory processing disorder evaluation in Lancaster, PA. Allow us to help you hear and communicate to the best of your ability.
