Why Some Children Hear but Don’t Understand
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Explained for Parents in Halton Region
Many parents in Halton Region come to us with the same concern:
“My child passed their hearing test, but they still struggle to follow instructions, especially in noisy places.”
If this sounds familiar, your child may be experiencing Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) — a condition that affects how the brain processes sound, rather than how the ears perceive it.
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we specialize in identifying and supporting children with listening and processing challenges in a gentle, family-focused environment.
What Is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)?
Auditory Processing Disorder occurs when the ears hear sounds clearly, but the brain has difficulty interpreting and organizing those sounds — especially speech.
Children with APD may:
Hear normally during a standard hearing test
Struggle to understand speech in noise
Need information repeated often
Appear distracted or “not listening”
Become fatigued by listening tasks
APD is not a hearing loss, but it can significantly impact learning, confidence, and communication if left unaddressed.
Common Signs of APD in Children
Every child is different, but some common signs include:
Difficulty following multi-step instructions
Frequently asking “What?” or “Huh?”
Trouble understanding speech in noisy classrooms
Poor listening stamina or mental fatigue
Difficulty with reading, spelling, or phonics
Sensitivity to background noise
Appearing inattentive despite trying hard
Many children with APD are bright and capable — they process sound differently.
Why APD Often Goes Undetected
Because children with APD usually pass basic hearing screenings, concerns are sometimes dismissed as:
Attention difficulties
Behavioural challenges
Learning differences
Without proper assessment, children may struggle unnecessarily at school or lose confidence over time.
This is why a comprehensive auditory processing assessment by an audiologist trained in APD is so important.
Auditory Processing Assessments at Empathy Hearing Clinic
At Empathy Hearing Clinic in Burlington, we provide age-appropriate APD assessments using evidence-based protocols, including the Buffalo Model.
Our assessments:
Are designed for school-aged children
Evaluate how the brain processes different types of sound
Identify specific areas of difficulty
Provide clear, practical recommendations for home and school
We take time to explain results in plain language and support families every step of the way.
How Auditory Processing Therapy Can Help
For many children, targeted auditory therapy can significantly improve listening skills and confidence.
Therapy may help with:
Understanding speech in noise
Listening accuracy and stamina
Following instructions
Classroom participation
Academic performance
We also provide guidance for school accommodations, classroom strategies, and home support.
A Family-Centred Approach
As an audiologist — and a parent of children with hearing and listening challenges — I understand how overwhelming this process can feel.
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we focus on:
A calm, welcoming environment
Child-friendly testing
Clear communication with parents
Collaboration with educators and allied professionals
You are never rushed, and your child is always seen as more than a test result.
When Should You Seek an APD Assessment?
Consider booking an auditory processing assessment if your child:
Is struggling in school despite normal hearing tests
Has difficulty listening in noisy environments
Appears to hear but not understand
Becomes easily overwhelmed by auditory information
Early identification can make a meaningful difference.
Book an Auditory Processing Assessment in Halton Region
If you suspect your child may have Auditory Processing Disorder, we are here to help.
Empathy Hearing Clinic – Burlington, Ontario
Serving families across Halton Region, including Oakville, Milton, and surrounding areas.
