Auditory Processing Disorder is not a problem with how well the ears hear; it is about how the brain makes sense of the sounds the ears receive. Many people say, “I can hear, but I can’t understand,” especially in noisy or echoey places. The ears may pick up sound at normal levels, but the brain has difficulty turning speech into clear meaning, particularly in busy classrooms, cafés, workplaces or open-plan offices.

With hearing loss, the ears themselves do not pick up sound as well, so speech may be too soft or muffled. With Auditory Processing Disorder, the ears often test within the normal range, but the higher-level processing of speech sounds is affected. People may pass a standard hearing test yet still struggle with speech in noise, fast speech, multi-step instructions or listening for long periods without fatigue.

Children may struggle to follow classroom instructions, need frequent repeats, find reading and spelling harder than expected, or become restless or shut down in noisy environments. Adults often report hearing the words but missing the meaning, mishearing song lyrics, relying on captions, or finding meetings and restaurants exhausting, even when their hearing test is “normal”.

Melody Hear For You provides hearing tests from 3 years of age and Auditory Processing Disorder assessments from about 3½ years and for adults. We see children and adults with or without diagnosed conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, language-based learning difficulties, and people who already use hearing aids or cochlear implants, so Auditory Processing Disorder is not overlooked.

The assessment usually starts with online questionnaires and a detailed case history. A comprehensive hearing test checks the ears first. Then a combination of at-home gamified listening tasks and in-clinic or online diagnostic tests (around 1–2 hours) is used to assess listening in noise, both-ear listening, timing and pattern skills, speech-sound recognition and auditory memory. Results are explained in everyday language, with time for questions, and you receive practical recommendations and a written report.

You can begin by completing the online questionnaires on the Forms page. An audiologist will contact you to offer a free 15-minute phone call to discuss your concerns and whether an Auditory Processing Disorder assessment is suitable. A GP or specialist referral is helpful for rebates on any hearing test component, but you can still book privately without a referral.

If testing shows Auditory Processing Disorder or clear auditory weaknesses, Melody designs a deficit-targeted therapy plan based on your results and goals. Therapy may include personalised online auditory training sessions, graded home practice using gamified programs, and tailored school or workplace strategies. The focus is on improving listening in noise, speech-sound accuracy, auditory memory and sequencing, and reducing listening fatigue, with follow-up testing to measure progress

Melody Hear For You is a mobile service providing in-home hearing tests and Auditory Processing Disorder assessments across Sydney. For Auditory Processing Disorder assessment and therapy, online appointments are also available Australia-wide via secure tele-audiology, which can be especially helpful for busy families or clients outside Sydney.

Fees are simple and transparent. Self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants are welcome, and Auditory Processing Disorder assessment and therapy can often be incorporated into relevant plans. If a hearing test is included and you have a valid referral and a Medicare Chronic Disease Management plan from your GP, you may be able to claim a partial Medicare rebate (a gap payment usually applies). If you are unsure, Melody can talk through your options before you book.