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Auditory Processing Disorder Test Auditory Processing Disorder in AdultsI Can Hear but I Can't Understand What Is Being Said: Why?

Auditory Processing Disorder Medical Devices: Types, How They Work, How to Choose

Amanda Unrau
CCC-SLP
December 23, 2024
auditory processing disorder medical devices

Individuals with auditory processing disorder have normal hearing, but they have difficulty understanding speech. There are certain medical devices that can improve the ability to interpret what is being said and limit misunderstanding. These devices complement therapy for APD and help individuals manage their symptoms. This article will discuss the types of auditory processing medical devices, how they work, the benefits they provide, and how to select an appropriate device. 

Types of Medical Devices for APD

There are a variety of medical devices available for individuals with APD. Individuals with auditory processing disorder can use one of these devices or a combination of more than one.

Personal Listening Devices

Personal listening devices (PLDs) are also known as FM systems or personal remote microphone systems. With an auditory processing disorder FM system, the speaker wears a microphone so that their voice is sent to the listener’s earpiece receiver or personal speaker. This helps to amplify soft sounds and reduce background noise. As a result, individuals with APD can focus more easily on important auditory information, even in challenging environments like classrooms or noisy public spaces.

There are also apps available to allow an iPhone or iPad to function as a personal listening device or FM system. IPhones and iPads also have accessibility features, one of which is for hearing devices. This feature allows you to pair compatible hearing devices with your iPad or iPhone. This can be an affordable option to pair with your hearing aids. 

Hearing Aids

Low-gain hearing aids are specifically designed for individuals, such as those with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), who have normal or near-normal hearing. These devices are not traditional hearing aids meant for significant hearing loss but are instead tailored to amplify subtle sounds and improve clarity for individuals with auditory difficulties. 

When used in combination with remote microphones, low-gain hearing aids become even more effective. The remote microphone amplifies the speaker’s voice and transmits it directly to the hearing aids, ensuring that the speaker’s voice is louder and clearer than any background noise. 

Neurofeedback and Auditory Stimulation Tools 

Neurofeedback is an intervention that uses brainwave monitoring in real time to provide immediate feedback. This allows users to monitor, regulate, and improve their brain function. Devices that provide neurofeedback, such as Forbrain, can help strengthen the neural pathways involved in processing auditory information. This helps the brain to better interpret auditory input. 

Forbrain utilizes a specialized headset and microphone system that provides immediate feedback to the user. This feedback is achieved by enhancing the volume and clarity of the user’s speech, which, in turn, improves auditory discrimination and focus. 

Forbrain’s sound-based Auditory Processing Disorder Test is a great first step in helping individuals determine if they may be experiencing symptoms of auditory processing disorder. This test provides users with initial insights into their auditory challenges, allowing them to seek further evaluation or intervention if needed.

Sound Field Systems

Sound field systems are speaker systems that are set up in areas that have less than optimal acoustics, such as classrooms or meeting rooms. This type of system amplifies the voices of the individuals speaking to different speakers placed throughout the room so that the sound is distributed evenly to all listeners. Some systems include a handheld microphone that the speaker uses, and these systems can be permanent or portable. 

Noise-Canceling Headphones

Since individuals with auditory processing disorder are sensitive to noise in general, noise-canceling headphones can be especially helpful. These auditory processing disorder headphones block background noise and are useful in noisy environments. 

Some can also be connected to an app that plays white noise. This can help users manage overstimulation by providing consistent, soothing auditory input. Too much noise can be overwhelming to those with APD, so this hearing device for auditory processing disorder is a nice option to have.

Text-to-Speech Software

Text-to-speech (TTS) software allows individuals to both see written text and hear it read aloud simultaneously. These narrations focus on the speaker and do not have any background noise. This can improve focus. Other features of TTS software is that you can often control playback speed and rewind in order to hear the voice again.  Some of the computer-synthesized voices can be hard to understand, but there are new voices that sound more like humans. 

Audio Recorders

Individuals with APD can use audio recorders to record auditory input to listen to later. They can listen to the recording as many times as needed, and pause it or play it back at a reduced speed. Students can use audio recorders to record lectures and employees can use it to record meetings. 

Auditory Processing Disorder Test Assess APD Online in just 7 minutes!

How Auditory Processing Disorder Medical Devices Work?

Individuals with auditory processing disorder can hear well, but they may have difficulty differentiating between similar speech sounds or attending to speech in noisy environments. Amplification through a hearing device for auditory processing disorder helps people with APD perceive speech more clearly.

However, it’s important to note that  these devices are not designed to be used as a sole treatment for auditory processing disorder. Individuals should also receive therapy or make changes to their environment. Auditory processing disorder medical devices are meant to provide support while building up processing skills in the meantime. They empower users to function more effectively in their daily lives, whether at school, work, or in social situations, by providing a clearer and more manageable auditory environment.

Benefits of APD Medical Devices

There are many benefits of using assistive technology for auditory processing disorder:  

  • Improved speech recognition: The primary benefit for using APD medical devices is improved understanding of speech, especially speech in background noise and from far away.
  • Improved hearing skills: Hearing devices for auditory processing disorder not only assist individuals to hear better the moment they use it, these APD devices also improve hearing skills with continued use over time. 
  • Improved self-esteem: APD medical devices improve self-esteem. This leads to increased socialization and more confidence in these social interactions.
  • Increased focus: Symptoms of auditory processing disorder can be distracting and overwhelming, and these medical devices help individuals with APD attend to important auditory cues and not background house. This can help when listening to a teacher in class, participating in conversation, or participating in meetings at work. 
  • Reduced auditory fatigue: Auditory fatigue is caused when individuals with APD have to continuously strain to try to hear and interpret incoming auditory information. Auditory processing disorder medical devices lighten the load and reduce the effort needed to process incoming auditory input. 

How to Choose an APD Device

When choosing an APD device, several factors should be considered:

  • Battery life: For individuals who will be out all day, it will be important to choose a device that does not need to be recharged frequently. Consider if there are portable options for charging on the go. 
  • Sound quality: Since this is the main reason for obtaining an APD device, the sound quality is one of the most important factors to consider. The sound needs to be clear so that the individual can understand speech better. Devices that allow you to customize and adjust the sound settings are a good option. It can be helpful to test out the device in a variety of environments. 
  • Environment: Individuals should consider the environment where they spend the most time or where a medical device for APD is most needed. Is there a lot of background noise? Will multiple people be speaking, or just one? Students in a classroom often do well with an FM system, while an individual who works in an office with multiple coworkers will likely do better with another type of device. 
  • Support: Many of these medical devices require the expertise of a trained professional throughout the process, usually an audiologist. Ensure you will have access to this help before choosing a device that requires testing, fitting, and adjustment by an audiologist. 
Auditory Processing Disorder Test Assess APD Online in just 7 minutes!

Using Forbrain to Help with Auditory Processing Disorder 

Forbrain is an auditory feedback tool consisting of a headset and microphone. By providing immediate feedback, Forbrain can improve auditory processing skills through improved auditory attention, which helps people with APD recognize and interpret speech. Use our free sound-based Auditory Processing Disorder Test as a first step toward understanding auditory challenges and identifying potential solutions.

Final Words

There are many options of assistive technology for auditory processing disorder available for those who struggle with its symptoms. These APD medical devices improve speech recognition, hearing skills, self-esteem, and focus, while reducing auditory fatigue. Parents, educators, and healthcare professionals can use the tips presented in this article for choosing an appropriate device for APD. Take our APD test or share it with someone you know is struggling with auditory processing skills. 

References

Auditory Processing Center. (Accessed 2024, December 9). Low-Gain Hearing Aids for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Auditory Processing Center. https://auditorycenter.com/services/low-gain-hearing-aids-for-auditory-processing-disorder-apd/

Belsky, Gail. (2023, May 22). Assistive Technology for Auditory Processing Challenges. Understood. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/assistive-technology-for-auditory-processing

NeuroLaunch. (2024, October 1). Auditory Processing Disorder Therapy: Effective Strategies for Improving Listening Skills. NeuroLaunch. https://neurolaunch.com/auditory-processing-disorder-therapy/

Russell, Nancy. (2024, April 9). Best Auditory Processing Disorder Devices for Improved Speech Recognition. LearnUpNest. https://learnupnest.com/auditory-processing-disorder-medical-devices/

Weitzman, Cliff. (2022, December 29). Best Technology to Overcome Auditory Processing Disorder. Speechify. https://speechify.com/blog/best-technology-to-overcome-auditory-processing-disorders/

Amanda Unrau

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Amanda is a speech language pathologist by day, and a freelance writer during the in between times. She has worked with children of all ages in a variety of private practice and school settings, as well as telepractice. She enjoys research and tries to make her speech therapy and writing as functional as possible.