Auditory processing disorder (APD) makes it difficult for your brain to process the speech sounds your ears collect. One way you can accommodate APD for easier daily communication is to control your environment.
Why Does My Environment Matter With APD?
When your brain is struggling to interpret speech sounds, it needs to devote its full attention to the matter. If your environment is brimming with distractions like chattering customers at Fortezza Coffee, the clang of your spouse unloading the dishwasher or the constantly ringing phones in a workplace, your brain won’t be able to concentrate very well on the correct noise source.
Creating a more effective listening environment will help your brain focus on the speech it’s trying to decode, not the mishmash of distraction sounds.
Environment Changes To Help You Cope With APD
Try the following environmental shifts to manage APD:
- Sit next to the speaker. Sitting where you can see the speaker and hear them clearly is essential with APD; if you’re far enough that your ears aren’t getting the full story, your brain will find it even more difficult to understand speech. About 5% of children have APD.[1] If your child is among that number, ask their teacher to sit them at the front of the class.
- Limit distractions. If you’re having a conversation, put your phone away, turn off or lower the volume on the TV or radio and minimize any other distractions so you can give your full attention to the speaker.
- Set up quiet zones. If you’re having a meeting or even a one-on-one conversation, move to a quiet area like a conference room or, if you’re at home, a room without a TV.
- Socialize in quieter places. There are lots of places you can meet up with friends that don’t make it harder to process speech. Parks, museums and restaurants or coffee shops outside busy hours are excellent choices.
You’d be surprised at what a big difference a slightly different environment can have on your speech comprehension. Try the tips above in your daily life and reach out to our specialists at Ear, Nose and Throat Associates for more help with managing APD.
[1] Hind, S. E., Haines-Bazrafshan, R., Benton, C. L., Brassington, W., Towle, B., & Moore, D. R. (2011). Prevalence of clinical referrals having hearing thresholds within normal limits. International Journal of Audiology, 50(10), 708–716. https://doi.org/10.3109/14992027.2011.582049