Reviewed by Dr Manuj Agarwal · Last updated 1 September 2026
What is auditory processing disorder?
APD may stem from poor coordination between the ears and the auditory processing pathways in the brain. Symptoms tend to worsen in challenging acoustic environments, such as large halls with reverberation or noisy places like classrooms and cafeterias.
What are the signs and symptoms?
- Difficulty understanding speech in background noise
- Trouble following multi-step verbal instructions
- Being distracted by loud or unexpected sounds
- Poor recall of information presented verbally
How is APD diagnosed?
The test battery includes a series of listening tasks that identify different attributes of listening and reflect the functional acuity of different parts of the auditory pathway. Tests may include auditory figure-ground assessments, dichotic listening evaluations and electrophysiological measures.
- The child is aged 6 to 7 years or older
- Hearing thresholds are normal
- Speech and language abilities are normal
How is APD managed?
A hearing test or paediatric hearing assessment is a good first step to confirm hearing is normal.
- Environmental changes, such as seating adjustments in the classroom
- Specialist speech therapy
- Assistive listening devices such as FM systems
- Computer-assisted auditory training programs
- Coping strategies and note-taking techniques
Will my child grow out of it?
The auditory system matures fully by around 13 years, so it is possible that a child may grow out of APD once they reach that age. Complete auditory maturity typically develops between ages 12 and 15.
Frequently asked questions
What is auditory processing disorder?
APD is a condition, generally affecting school-aged children, where despite normal hearing the child cannot understand what they hear in the same way other children do. It may relate to poor coordination between the ears and the auditory pathways in the brain, and is worse in noisy or echoey places.
What age can a child be tested for APD?
Testing generally requires the child to be aged six to seven years or older, with normal hearing thresholds and normal speech and language abilities. Call 03 7042 9301 if you are unsure whether your child is ready for testing.
What does APD testing involve?
The test battery is a series of listening tasks that reflect how different parts of the auditory pathway are working. It may include auditory figure-ground assessments, dichotic listening evaluations and electrophysiological measures. Your audiologist explains the results and management options.
Can APD be treated?
APD is managed rather than cured. Options include classroom seating changes, specialist speech therapy, assistive listening devices such as FM systems, computer-assisted auditory training, and coping strategies such as note-taking. The right mix depends on your child.
Will my child grow out of APD?
Because the auditory system matures fully by around 13 years, it is possible your child may grow out of it by then. Complete auditory maturity typically develops between ages 12 and 15, though every child is different.
Related information
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