What is APD - Auditory Processing Disorder?

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) affects the brain’s ability to process auditory information correctly. Individuals with APD often have normal hearing but struggle to understand and interpret sounds, particularly in noisy environments. This condition can be particularly prevalent among military personnel exposed to loud environments and individuals involved in road traffic accidents.

APD Testing for Road Traffic Accident Claimants

Even if there are no visible injuries or obvious hearing loss, a concussion or head injury from the accident can cause subtle changes in how the brain processes sounds. Identifying APD can support the claimant’s case for appropriate compensation, covering the costs of treatment, therapy, and any necessary accommodations.

APD Testing for Military Claimants

After a concussion, you can have serious hearing problems even if scans show no damage and your ears seem fine. The physical injury might heal, but you could still have trouble processing sounds. These issues are often minor and can go unnoticed without specific central auditory tests. Over 50% of Individuals with TBI may have APD
(Musiek et al 2004)

Auditory Processing Disorder is an unrecognised disability which is uncurable and can be prevalent with or without hearing loss

This diagnosis would not only enhance the claim value for your clients but provide the claimants with a better long term care and support they really need.

Leading Research on APD Diagnosis

Lew, H. L., Jerger, J. F., Guillory, S. B., & Henry, J. A. (2007). "Auditory dysfunction in traumatic brain injury":
This paper provides an overview of the types of auditory dysfunctions observed in TBI patients, including APD. It discusses the mechanisms by which TBI can lead to auditory processing issues and underscores the importance of auditory testing in this population.

Bergemalm, P. O., & Borg, E. (2001). "Long-term objective and subjective audiologic consequences of closed head injury":
This research investigates the long-term auditory consequences of closed head injury, including APD. It uses both subjective reports and objective audiologic tests to demonstrate the prevalence and persistence of auditory processing issues following head trauma.

Gallun, F. J., Diedesch, A. C., Kubli, L. R., & Waldo, M. (2012). "Performance on tests of central auditory processing by individuals exposed to high-intensity blasts":
The study focuses on individuals exposed to blast injuries, a common cause of TBI in military personnel. It finds significant auditory processing deficits in this group, suggesting that blast-induced TBI can lead to APD. The paper highlights the need for specialized auditory processing tests in diagnosing APD in these patients.

Katz, J., & Wilde, L. (1994). "Central auditory processing in closed head injury patients":
This earlier study examines the central auditory processing abilities of patients with closed head injuries. It provides evidence that TBI can impair auditory processing skills, supporting the inclusion of APD assessments in the diagnostic process for TBI patients.

Dumas, T. C., & Pollard, H. I. (2008). "Auditory Processing and the Rehabilitation of Individuals with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury":
This paper discusses rehabilitation strategies for individuals with mild TBI who suffer from auditory processing deficits. It reviews diagnostic methods and therapeutic approaches, emphasizing the role of auditory processing assessments in the comprehensive care of TBI patients.

Effects of APD on Claimants

Adults with APD show difficulties in all aspects of their lives including but not exclusively:

• Difficulty understanding conversation

• Challenges with conversation in noisy environments such as restaurants

• Trouble dividing attention (e.g., talking on the phone while tuning out background noise

• Difficulty comprehending fast speech

• Struggles with following long conversations

• Difficulty understanding without relying on lipreading or facial cues

• Challenges with unfamiliar accents

How can Medico Hearing help with APD testing?

Professional APD testing and diagnosis services available nationwide. Contact us for a quote today.

Fully comprehensive APD Test & Diagnosis anywhere in the UK – fee to be quoted based on postcode
(tests with report fee c£950)

Written Report with findings and recommendations for treatment by our court expert
(Inglis v MoD)

We can arrange the treatment recommendations to include Auditory Training & Listening Skills

We can supply all FM systems to include Hearing Aids with Microphones programmed uniquely for each Claimant