Auditory processing disorder
What causes auditory processing disorder?
Exactly what causes auditory processing disorder isn't fully understood. Sometimes a possible underlying factor is identified, but not always.
In children, the condition may occur after a persistent hearing problem at a young age, such as Otitis media with effusion (OME) , which has since passed but has had a permanent effect on how the brain processes sound. It may also be caused by agenetic defect, as some cases seem torun in families.
In adults and children,the condition may be associated withdamage to the brain froma head injury , stroke , brain tumour or meningitis .
Some cases in adults have also been linked toage-related changes in the ability of the brain to processsounds and progressive conditions affecting the nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis .
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
An auditory processing disorder is a hearing problem caused by the brain not processing sounds in the normal way. Find out about the symptoms, causes and treatments.
Who is affected?
Auditory processing disorder affects people of all ages. Many cases start in childhood, althoughit sometimes can develop in adults. Childrenwith auditory processing disorder may havenoticeable proble
What causes auditory processing disorder?
Exactly what causes auditory processing disorder isn't fully understood. Sometimes a possible underlying factor is identified, but not always. In children, the condition may occur after a persistent
How your GP can help
You should visit your GP if you think you or your child may have a hearing problem such as auditory processing disorder. They may refer youto an audiologist (hearing specialist) for some tests. Thete
Howauditory processing disorder is managed
There's currently no cure for auditory processing disorder, but there are a number of strategies that can helpyou cope with the condition. Some of these are outlined below. Auditory training You may
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