Auditory Processing Disorder: using technology to enhance your hearing and speech understanding in noise

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

Auditory Processing Disorder / Difficulty (APD) is a condition that affects the way the brain processes auditory information. Individuals with APD may have normal hearing ability but struggle to understand and interpret sounds, particularly in noisy environments. This can lead to challenges in communication and learning. APD has been observed

Busy classroom environments present listening challenges due to compromised signal to noise ratios

in both adults and children and is known to occur alongside various clinical groups with suspected or diagnosed conditions like autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder, dyslexia, aphasia, and Alzheimer's disease.

Causes of Auditory Processing Disorder

The exact causes of APD are not fully understood, but several factors may contribute to its development, including:

• Neurological Factors: Differences in the way the brain processes sound can lead to APD. This may be linked to developmental issues or neurological conditions.

• Ear Infections: Frequent ear infections (e.g. chronic glue ear) during critical periods of auditory development can impact auditory processing skills.

• Genetic Factors: There may be a hereditary component, as APD can sometimes run in families.

  
  

Signs and Symptoms of APD

Children and adults with APD may exhibit a variety of signs and symptoms, including:

• Difficulty following spoken instructions, especially in noisy settings.

• Challenges in distinguishing similar-sounding words.

• Problems with understanding speech when multiple people are talking.

• Frequent requests for repetition or clarification.

• Struggles with reading and spelling, which may stem from difficulties in processing phonetic sounds.

Diagnosis of Auditory Processing Disorder

Diagnosing APD involves a comprehensive evaluation by an audiologist. Whilst there is currently no agreed "gold standard" test battery, an APD assessment would typically include:

• Hearing tests to rule out hearing loss.

• Specific auditory processing tests that assess various skills, such as sound discrimination and auditory memory.

• Many audiology departments would recognise APD on the basis of reported listening difficulties (usually in noise) but normal hearing thresholds.

Management and Support for APD

While there is no cure for APD, several strategies can help individuals manage the disorder effectively:

• Environmental Modifications: Reducing background noise and using assistive listening devices such as the Phonak Roger mic can improve communication and signal to noise ratio.

• Speech and Language Therapy: Tailored interventions can enhance auditory processing skills and overall communication abilities.

• Educational Support: Teachers can implement strategies such as providing written instructions and allowing extra time for responses.

Typically in the UK and more specifically here in Nottingham (I am a Nottingham-based audiologist after all) individuals with auditory processing difficulties will not be issued with assistive listening devices (i.e a Roger mic) through NHS audiology or education providers. Why? Because they do not have a measurable hearing loss and therefore don't meet the educational funding criteria, despite well documented benefits of using assistive devices such as a Roger microphone. Consequently, individuals will need to self fund such devices privately.

Challenges in Work and Educational Settings

In classrooms and workplaces, background noise is common. For someone with auditory processing difficulty, this noise can drown out important speech signals. This makes it hard to focus, take notes, or participate in discussions. For children, this can slow learning and affect academic progress. Adults may find it difficult to follow meetings, phone calls, or group conversations, which can impact job performance.

How the Phonak Roger Mic Helps

The Phonak Roger microphone is designed to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, which means it makes the speaker’s voice clearer compared to background noise. It works by capturing the speaker’s voice directly and transmitting it wirelessly to the listener’s hearing aids or receivers. The Roger mic can be used for individuals with audiometrically "normal hearing", as well as those with a hearing loss. Check out Phonak's blog on real world benefits here.

Roger On Microphone can be paired with a hearing aid or receiver worn in the ear.

Benefits for Children

• Improved Focus: The mic helps children hear their teacher clearly, even in noisy classrooms.

• Better Participation: Clearer speech encourages children to engage more in class discussions.

• Enhanced Learning: Understanding instructions and lessons becomes easier, supporting academic success.

  
  

Benefits for Adults

• Clearer Conversations: The mic reduces background noise during meetings or social gatherings.

• Reduced Listening Effort: Adults feel less tired after conversations because they don’t have to strain to hear.

• Increased Confidence: Better communication helps adults stay connected and perform well at work.

  
  

Practical Examples of Use

• In the Classroom: A teacher wears the Roger mic, and the child’s hearing aids receive the teacher’s voice directly. This setup helps the child focus on lessons without distractions.

• At Work or Conferences: During meetings, the speaker uses the Roger mic, allowing the adult with auditory processing difficulty to hear clearly, even if others are talking or there is background noise.

• Social Settings: The mic can be used in restaurants or family gatherings, making conversations easier to follow.

  
  

How the Roger Mic Improves Signal-to-Noise Ratio

Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is the difference between the level of the desired sound (signal e.g. a teacher) and the background noise (e.g. background classroom chatter). A higher SNR means the listener hears the speech more clearly. The Phonak Roger mic can improve SNR by up to 20 decibels, which is a hugely significant increase. This improvement helps users understand speech better in challenging listening environments. The brain has an easier time, comprehending and making sense of the soundscape.

Tips for Maximizing the Benefits

• Position the Mic Close to the Speaker: The closer the mic is to the person talking, the clearer the sound. They can hang around the neck or click on to a collar or jacket.

• Use in Noisy Environments: The Roger mic is especially helpful in places with lots of background noise.

• Combine with Hearing Aids: For those who use hearing aids, pairing them with the Roger system enhances overall hearing performance.

• Regular Maintenance: Keep the mic and receivers clean and charged for the best experience.

  
  

Supporting Auditory Processing Difficulty Beyond Technology

While devices like the Phonak Roger mic provide great support, other strategies can help manage auditory processing difficulty:

• Creating Quiet Spaces: Reducing background noise at home, school, or work helps improve listening.

• Clear Communication: Speaking slowly, clearly, and facing the listener aids understanding.

• Visual Aids: Using written instructions or visual cues supports comprehension.

• Auditory Training: Exercises designed to improve listening skills can be beneficial.

  
  

Final Thoughts

Auditory processing difficulty can make everyday communication a challenge for both children and adults. This difficulty affects learning, work, and social life but does not have to limit potential. The Phonak Roger microphone offers a practical solution by enhancing speech clarity and reducing background noise. By improving the signal-to-noise ratio, it helps users focus on what matters most—the conversation. Combining this technology with supportive strategies creates a stronger foundation for effective communication and greater confidence in daily life.

The Phonak Roger system can be demo'd and purchased through Ear Care Specialists in Nottingham. If you are interested in this device for yourself or child, please get in touch to discuss further.

Contact Dr. Jeff | jeff@earcarespecialists.co.uk or 0115 990 20 82