What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
Auditory processing is what the brain does with what the ears are hearing. A processing disorder affects how the person interprets speech and sound.
Dr. Deanene V. Harrison — Board-Certified Audiologist with specialized expertise in APD — is here to help you get the answers and care you deserve.
When the Brain and Ears Don't Quite Connect
Auditory processing is what the brain does with what the ears are hearing. A processing disorder affects how the person interprets speech and sound.
A person with APD may have perfectly normal hearing sensitivity — meaning their ears work just fine — but their brain struggles to make sense of what it hears, especially in challenging listening environments.
Key Facts About APD
- APD can occur in the presence of hearing loss or without hearing loss.
- There is a high prevalence of APD in populations such as aging adults, school aged children with learning difficulties, military veterans who have suffered blast trauma, and those with neurological disorders from brain trauma. However, APD in these populations often goes misdiagnosed or undiagnosed.
- The cause for APD is often unclear and the presentation is different in each individual.
- APD is complex, thus a specialized provider is required.
- APD is treatable.
- Persons with APD are often highly intelligent, as APD has nothing to do with intelligence.
Common Characteristics of APD
APD can look different from person to person. Common characteristics include:
Why APD Is So Often Misdiagnosed
Because APD shares many surface-level characteristics with ADHD and dyslexia — difficulty paying attention, trouble in school, challenges with reading — it is frequently misdiagnosed. A child who appears inattentive or distracted may actually be struggling to process what they're hearing, not struggling to focus.
This distinction matters enormously. A child treated for ADHD when the underlying issue is APD may not see the improvement they need. Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment — and that's exactly what we provide.
APD requires a specialized audiological evaluation that goes beyond a standard hearing test. It cannot be diagnosed by a pediatrician, psychologist, or reading specialist alone.
A Thorough, Personalized Approach
Our APD evaluation is comprehensive and designed to give a complete picture of how your or your child's auditory system is functioning. From there, we develop a personalized treatment plan that may include:
LACE AI PRO
An advanced auditory training program that helps the brain become more efficient at processing sound through structured, engaging exercises.
Auditory Training
Targeted exercises to strengthen auditory processing skills — improving listening accuracy, comprehension, and the ability to focus on speech.
Environmental Modifications
Practical recommendations for home, school, or work to reduce listening difficulty — such as preferential seating, acoustic improvements, or assistive listening devices.
Compensation Strategies
Techniques that help patients manage APD challenges in everyday life, building confidence and independence.
Think you or your child may have APD?
The first step is a comprehensive evaluation. Contact us to schedule an appointment with Dr. Harrison.