Family Hearing Centre works in Partnership with SoundSkills
SoundSkills are Specialists in Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Visit the SoundSkills website here to find out more
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to difficulties in hearing that stem from issues with how the brain processes auditory information. Unlike traditional hearing issues, Auditory Processing Disorder cannot be identified through standard diagnostic hearing tests, which primarily assess basic hearing capabilities.
This disorder manifests when the brain struggles to interpret and make sense of sounds, leading to challenges in understanding spoken language, distinguishing between similar sounds, and following auditory instructions. As a result, individuals with Auditory Processing Disorder may encounter difficulties in various communication settings.
It's crucial to note that APD often goes undetected by conventional hearing assessments, as these tests focus solely on peripheral hearing. That’s why a comprehensive Auditory Processing Disorder assessment—focused specifically on auditory processing abilities—is essential. At our Auckland audiology clinic, our Auditory Processing Disorder test is able to accurately diagnose APD, allowing us to provide effective, tailored treatment.
In New Zealand, research suggests that APD affects approximately 6.2% (1 in 20) of children. Early identification and intervention are key to managing APD and supporting individuals in overcoming the associated auditory challenges. At Family Hearing Centre, we specialise in Auditory Processing Disorder Testing assessments, ensuring accurate assessments and tailored care for those affected by APD.
What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
Signs of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in Children
If a child has Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), you may observe difficulties in various areas, including:
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Listening and hearing, especially if there’s a lot of background noise and distractions.
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Following instructions (especially multiple verbal instructions).
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Listening when a signal is not clear or is ‘degraded’ (for example, soft, rapid or distorted).
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Staying focused – for example, they might be easily distracted or appear to be day-dreaming.
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Telling the difference between letters that sound similar, like ‘k’ and ‘g’, or ‘t’ and ‘d’.
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Remembering to say the beginning or end sounds of words when they're reading.
Auditory Processing Disorder can often appear as problems with learning, listening and communication, as well as reading and writing. Those affected by APD might make frequent requests for repetition and/or rephrasing of information, saying “what” or “huh” often.
Experience Family Hearing Centres Reliable Auditory Processing Disorder Assessment
Our APD hearing test at our Auckland clinic involves a series of 6-10 distinct tasks meticulously designed to assess various components of the Auditory System. ​
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Upon completion of our Auditory Processing Disorder test, our dedicated Auckland APD specialists at Family Hearing Centre will walk you through the results, providing a clear understanding of the outcomes. Additionally, a detailed report summarising the findings will be prepared for your reference following the appointment.
Visit Family Hearing Centre to book your Auditory Processing Disorder Test in Auckland. Choose our hearing clinic in Auckland for effective and personalised audiology care.
Education Adviser
Included in the APD assessment is a follow up phone call to ensure families have a better understanding of APD and the impacts on learning. Karen our Education Adviser, provides advice and guidance on the use of Remote Microphone Hearing Aid (RMHA) systems and the funding eligibility criteria with the Ministry of Education. If your child does not meet the eligibility criteria Family Hearing Centre – SoundSkills can offer a private trial with Karen as we believe in ensuring all students have equal access the learning curriculum.
The optimal age for an APD diagnosis is 7 years, however we can make a diagnosis from 5 years. Karen is available to investigate how your child is listening and learning at school and pre-school from 3 years. This is extremely helpful as it provides further information on listening, learning and behaviour in the classroom, allowing us to understand and obtain a better overall picture. Karen will make practical recommendations to assist your child’s learning.
Karen is also available to help parents navigate the education system, advocating for children and providing support and guidance with teachers. If you have a ‘hunch’ that your child is not meeting their learning potential Karen can help investigate this. Karen goes into schools, meets with teachers, the SENCo’s and your child, she completes an in-class observation. This information plus any other reports, culminates into an Education Report. If school-based assessments are needed to find out where your child’s current learning is at, Karen can complete this. This Education Report is full of useful information and practical recommendations and strategies.
For students diagnosed with APD, Karen offers services to help navigate the transition between schools, ensuring a smooth start. She can advise on APD and discuss what will be helpful for the student so that education professionals who may not have previously worked with APD students have a good understanding to support your child.
With over 30 years’ experience working across the primary, intermediate, secondary and tertiary education sectors, Karen is well placed to assist your family. She has held a range of specialised teaching positions and has worked in senior management positions in schools. Her past roles include Deputy Principal and RTLB Practice Leader.
Specialist assistive technology for Auditory Processing Disorder in NZ
For certain cases, students identified with significant learning needs and diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) may receive guidance from their audiologist to trial a personal remote microphone hearing system (RMHA). Personal RMHA listening devices enable students to directly hear a single voice (captured by a microphone) through receivers worn in their ears. If a student with a diagnosis of APD is learning well, and not receiving additional adult support in class they will not be eligible for this support from the Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Education RMHA funding
To be eligible for the Ministry of Education RMHA funding, an individual student must;
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Have a formal diagnosis of APD from a specialised paediatric audiologist.
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Be receiving additional learning support to address their learning needs through one of the Ministry’s services (see below).
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Show that the use of an RMHA system makes a difference to their learning outcomes.
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We go through this APD funding option in more detail with parents and help you apply for this.
Note: Retrospective funding is not available.
FAQ about Auditory Processing Disorder and APD Assessments in NZ
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about Auditory Processing Disorder in NZ
