Health Information Library

A condition that makes it hard to understand speech.

Auditory processing disorder is hearing loss caused by something that affects the part of the brain that processes hearing. It may be linked to repeated ear infections. Other risk factors can be early birth or head injury. It's often linked to learning problems in children. Older adults with hearing loss often have the condition.

Symptoms include:

• Having trouble understanding what's being said in noisy places.
• Having trouble following directions.
• Paying attention.

Treatments may include using listening aids and working with a therapist.