Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects how the brain interprets sounds. People with APD usually have normal hearing but struggle to make sense of what they hear, particularly in noisy environments or when listening to complex information.
APD can affect both children and adults and may impact learning, communication, and daily listening situations.
Auditory Processing Disorder occurs when the brain has difficulty processing and interpreting sounds correctly. While the ears may detect sound normally, the brain struggles to organise and understand the information it receives.
This can make it difficult to:
APD is sometimes mistaken for hearing loss, attention difficulties, or learning challenges because the symptoms can overlap.
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The signs of APD can vary depending on age and listening environments. Some common indicators include:
Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
Trouble following verbal instructions
Mishearing or confusing similar sounding words
Difficulty concentrating when listening
Struggling with spelling, reading, or phonics
Children with APD may also find classroom listening challenging, particularly when there is background noise or when instructions are given verbally.
From initial testing through to personalised treatment, we guide you every step of the way
An APD assessment involves a detailed evaluation of how the brain processes sound. Before testing for APD, we first carry out a full hearing assessment to confirm that hearing sensitivity is normal.
The assessment typically includes specialised listening tests that examine how well you can:
Testing is designed to be comfortable and engaging and is tailored to the individual's age and listening needs.
If the results indicate difficulties with auditory processing, a diagnosis of APD may be made. A clear diagnosis helps us understand the specific listening challenges you or your child are experiencing, allowing us to create a personalised management plan that supports listening, learning, and communication.
We will explain the results in detail and provide practical recommendations for home, school, or work environments.
Hearing therapy, sometimes called auditory training, helps improve listening skills and strengthen the brain's ability to process sound.
Therapy programmes may focus on:
For children, therapy can also support classroom listening and learning. Adults may benefit from strategies to manage challenging listening environments such as meetings or social situations.
Our goal is to help individuals with APD build confidence in their listening abilities and improve communication in everyday life.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, our APD assessment, diagnosis and treatment pathway is provided in conjunction with Nadia Abbott at Sound Horizons APD & Hearing Therapy.
Nadia works remotely and is a qualified Audiologist with specialist training in Auditory Processing Disorder.
Visit Sussex Audiology Centre for a Puretone Audiogram and assessment. Our audiologists complete the required referral forms.
£150 (includes audiogram and referral)
We send all audiogram and assessment results to Sound Horizons within 48 hours.
Nadia contacts you to arrange an online consultation to discuss results, services, costs and any treatment required.
If you suspect you or your child may have Auditory Processing Disorder, we're here to help. Get in touch to discuss your concerns or arrange a comprehensive assessment. Our experienced audiologists will conduct a thorough hearing evaluation and, if appropriate, complete the necessary referral for specialist APD testing and therapy. Contact us today to book an appointment or request a call back.
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