Listen up! Are you ready to hear all about auditory processing? We hope so! Many times, kids are referred to OT for 'sensory processing concerns' with families often searching for different listening programs to help their child combat sound sensitivities. However, there is more to auditory processing, or listening, and integration than assisting those who are more sensitive to everyday noise/sounds.
Let's dive in shall we?
Hearing, in short, is the actual detection of sound waves or vibrations against the eardrum/inner ear. Listening (also known as auditory processing) is the neurological sequence of sound coming in through our ears, then being sent to the brain in order to know where the sound came from and other important qualities of the sound needed for skilled use.
Most of us use information from our auditory system every single day, all day long-even when we are sleeping. This means we take in so much information from our outside surroundings to listen, learn and do. Efficient listening skills are critical for learning, safety and completing everyday life tasks. Listening also plays a large role in our social, play and communication skills.
Fun facts about listening:
The auditory system doesn't mature until around age 8!
True auditory processing and its disorders are evaluated and diagnosed by an audiologist
Our auditory system never shuts off (even when we sleep) - it's our first line of defense for safety and survival
The ears never stop growing as we age!
The auditory and vestibular systems share the same nerve pathway to the brain
Adequate listening skills are critical to speech and language/communication development
Statistics:
Roughly 5% of school aged children have auditory processing disorder
According to the National Institute of Health, 43% of children with learning disabilities also have poor auditory processing skills
50% of children with ADHD have auditory processing disorder
70% of children with dyslexia struggle with auditory processing disorder
Most common teaching method in elementary education is demonstration (combination of auditory and visual learning strategies)
These statistics are so important to know/realize that many kids who struggle with learning may need to have modifications to their classroom in order to help them succeed. Traditional "lecture" style teaching methods are extremely challenging for these children to obtain and retain that information. A combination of teaching/learning styles would be the best for these kiddos!
Auditory modulation vs discrimination dysfunction:
We touched on the differences between modulation and discrimination in our sensory processing 101 post. Head back over there if you need a little refresher!
Modulation:
Over responsive:
Can be known as auditory defensiveness or auditory sensitivities
Holds hands over ears to protect from sounds
Has big intense reactions to everyday or new sounds
Avoids busy crowds or malls
Startles easily
May notice subtle everyday sounds most can 'tune out' (i.e refrigerator, A/C or furnace turning off/on, door opening/closing, etc)
Panic in loud environments
Very easily startled
Meltdown easily with little to no explanation as to why
Under responsive:
Struggles responding to their name being called
Has difficulty with completing tasks with background noise
Easily distracted in noisy places
Takes longer to respond to a question being asked of them or to complete instructed tasks
Poor localization of sounds (knowing which direction/area a sound came from)
Craving:
Likes to create/repeat different sounds over and over
Prefers loud music
Almost always uses an 'outside voice'
Frequently hums/sings
Discrimination:
May ask "what, huh, hmm" frequently when being spoken to
Read out loud to themselves/repeat directions out loud
Poor attention skills
Impulse control difficulties
Difficulty with academic learning
Struggles with body and spatial awareness
Poor social skills
Difficulty with speech/language development
Does your child struggle with academic learning? Attention? Self-regulation? They could have difficulties or disruptions in auditory sensory processing. If you suspect your child has poor listening/auditory processing skills consult with your pediatrician about getting an occupational therapy or speech therapy evaluation!
Information is power and gives us opportunities to best serve and help our children learn and grow to be the best version of themselves!
Play on,
Cassie & Amy
References:
Common Teaching Styles in Elementary School: Resilient Educator. (2020, May 20). Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://resilienteducator.com/classroom-resources/most-common-teaching-styles-used-with-elementary-school-students/
Morlet, T. (Ed.). (2014, September). Auditory Processing Disorder (for Parents) - Nemours KidsHealth. Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/central-auditory.html
Webmin. (2020, July 19). Prevalence of APD. Retrieved October 02, 2020, from https://www.auditorycenter.com/what-is-auditory-processing-disorder/prevalence-of-apd/
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