If you (or your child) often hear “Your hearing is normal”, but listening still feels hard — especially in noise — you’re not alone. Auditory Processing Disorder is commonly misunderstood, and that can delay support.

What Auditory Processing Disorder is
Auditory Processing Disorder is a difficulty with how the brain processes sound, particularly speech. Many people can hear sounds clearly, but struggle to make sense of what they hear, especially when:
• there is background noise (classrooms, cafés, playgrounds)
• people speak quickly or give long instructions
• there are multiple speakers
• information is only given verbally
Common signs include listening fatigue, misunderstanding words, needing repetition, and doing better with written information.

What Auditory Processing Disorder isn’t
• Not hearing loss: many people have normal hearing thresholds; the challenge is processing, not detection.
• Not laziness or “not trying”: listening can take much more effort, which can look like distraction or slow responses.
• Not only a childhood issue: children and adults can have Auditory Processing Disorder.
• Not “nothing can help”: the right supports can make a meaningful difference.

“Is it Auditory Processing Disorder, or ADHD?”
This is a very common question: “Is it really Auditory Processing Disorder, or is it just attention?” The symptoms can look similar day-to-day. Research suggests auditory processing difficulties and sustained attention difficulties can co-occur, but they are generally separate and largely independent challenges.

What can help
Support is usually most effective when it’s tailored. Options may include:
• communication strategies (get attention first, shorter instructions, written follow-up)
• environment changes (reduce noise, sit closer, quieter spaces)
• auditory training (targeted skill-building when appropriate)
• assistive technology (e.g., remote microphone systems in some situations)
 

What to do next
A practical pathway is:
1. start with a hearing assessment (rule out hearing loss or middle-ear issues)
2. note real-life listening challenges and triggers
3. discuss whether an Auditory Processing Disorder assessment is appropriate
4. involve a broader team if attention/learning/language concerns are also present
If you suspect Auditory Processing Disorder, you don’t have to “push through”. With the right understanding and support, listening can become easier and less exhausting.