Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Testing in Burlington
Does your child hear—but struggle to understand?
If your child has difficulty following instructions, especially in noisy environments like classrooms, they may be experiencing Auditory Processing Disorder (APD).
At Empathy Hearing Clinic in Burlington, we provide comprehensive APD assessments for school-aged children and teens, helping families understand how their child processes sound and what support they need to succeed.
We proudly serve families in Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and the Halton Region.
WHAT IS APD?
Auditory Processing Disorder is not a problem with hearing sensitivity—it’s how the brain processes sound.
Children with APD often:
Hear normally on a hearing test
But struggle to interpret speech clearly
Especially in background noise
This can impact:
Learning
Attention
Reading and language development
Confidence in school and social settings
SIGNS YOUR CHILD MAY HAVE APD
Your child may benefit from an APD assessment if they:
Frequently say “what?” or ask for repetition
Have trouble following multi-step instructions
Struggle to hear in noisy environments (classrooms, sports, group settings)
Mishear or confuse similar-sounding words
Have difficulty with reading, spelling, or phonics
Seem inattentive or are suspected of ADHD
Perform better in quiet, one-on-one situations
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING AN APD ASSESSMENT
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, our assessments are thorough, child-friendly, and evidence-based.
Your child’s appointment includes:
A thorough case history assessment prior to in-person assessment
Specialized auditory processing testing using the Buffalo Model
Testing in a sound-treated booth
Age-appropriate instructions and support throughout
Appointments typically take 2–3 hours, depending on your child’s age and needs.
AFTER THE ASSESSMENT
You’ll receive a comprehensive report outlining:
Your child’s strengths and areas of difficulty
Whether an APD diagnosis is present
Clear recommendations for next steps
We also provide guidance on:
School accommodations (IEPs, classroom strategies)
Auditory therapy options
Home-based strategies to support listening skills
WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE EMPATHY HEARING CLINIC
We understand that every child is different—and every family’s journey is unique.
13+ years of audiology experience across all ages
Specialized focus in pediatric hearing and auditory processing
A family-centred, compassionate approach
Personal understanding of hearing loss and lived experience
Not a retail chain—focused on care, not sales
Our goal is to help your child feel confident, supported, and understood.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What age can a child be tested for APD?
APD testing is typically recommended for children 6 years and older, as testing requires certain developmental abilities.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. However, we often collaborate with speech-language pathologists, psychologists, and schools.
Is APD the same as ADHD?
No, but they can overlap. Many children with APD are initially suspected of having attention difficulties.
How long does testing take?
Assessments typically take 2–3 hours and may be completed in one or two visits.
Learn more about APD in our blog posts here
Book an APD Assessment in Burlington
If you’re concerned about your child’s listening, learning, or communication, we’re here to help.
Book yours or your child’s hearing assessment today
Conveniently located in Burlington, serving Halton Region families
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