Auditory Processing Disorder and Dyslexia

Have you ever felt like words melt into a blur of noise whenever you’re in a bustling café or office? In this episode of the podcast, we explore Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—a “close friend of dyslexia” that’s all about how our brains interpret sound. Whether you’re curious about new learning tools or want ways to navigate noisy environments, it’s a journey right into how we hear.

Auditory Processing Disorder and Dyslexia - Does it matter?

We cover the core signs of APD, how it can overlap with dyslexia, and why it sometimes looks like someone’s simply not listening. You’ll hear all sorts of aha moments about training your ears (and brain), making sense of conversations when the soundscape is overwhelming, and learning strategies to keep your focus in check. APD can be tricky to spot, so this chat shines a light on subtle cues you might’ve missed.

What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?

APD is when your ears are in perfect working order, but your brain struggles to process what you hear. It’s not always about slow hearing—it’s often about piecing together the specific sounds, like a puzzle with missing pieces.

Dyslexia has a reading and writing twist, while APD’s twist is with sound. Both conditions can affect how you process the world. Some people might ask you to repeat yourself because a conversation feels jumbled. Others might fail to respond if there’s any background noise.

 

“When everything is happening at once, my brain can’t pick up the right words. It’s like I’m hearing them, but they don’t stick.”

How APD Shows Up In Everyday Life

You’d be surprised at how often you use auditory skills. It goes beyond listening to podcasts. APD can show up in:

• Group conversations: It’s easy to miss the main discussion if people talk at the same time.
• Following instructions: Long verbal directions might feel like you’ve got a tangled list in your head.
• Classrooms or meetings: You might zone out to process what was just said, then miss new info.

These moments can lead to frustration or feeling left out, especially in busy workplaces. Recognising APD takes honesty about what you struggle to hear.

Training Your Brain To Hear

APD isn’t always a life sentence of confusion. Your brain can learn to better handle sound with the right strategy. Think of it like working out at the gym, but for your ears.

Professional help can be a game-changer. Audiologists or therapists sometimes use listening programmes: you do daily exercises that help your mind filter noise and sharpen focus. If you can’t see a specialist, there are online exercises that turn auditory training into mini games. It’s not a quick fix, but consistent practice is your friend.

Human connection also matters. Talking openly with family or colleagues about auditory challenges helps set realistic expectations, and you can plan ways to communicate effectively.

Handling Noisy Environments

Offices, cafés, and social events all bring their own special kind of chaos. If you’ve got APD, you don’t want to feel like you’re sitting in a washing machine of noise. The good news is there are practical ways to cope:

1. Pick quieter corners of a room if possible.
2. Ask for a quick summary if you sense you’ve missed something important.
3. Use headphones or earplugs designed to filter background sounds.
4. Suggest written follow-ups after meetings.
5. Take short breaks to avoid auditory overload.

If your job demands you be front and centre, let your boss or team know you might need a moment to process large amounts of info. Most workplaces appreciate a heads-up, especially if it helps productivity.

Resources and Support

You’re not alone in exploring APD or looking for ways to manage it. Riette’s website, Bounse, offers specialised resources and guidance. There’s also a supportive community on Facebook where you can connect with others who’ve had the same struggles and wins. Even if only a few people in your life truly get it, every bit of support can ease the journey.

Key Takeaways

• APD involves trouble processing sounds, especially in noisy places.
• You can train your ears and brain to work better together.
• Open dialogue about your needs helps people understand how to support you.
• Practical steps like well-placed seating and summaries after meetings make a real difference.
• Community and expert advice can kick-start progress.

Ready to dive deeper? Listen to the full episode at the top of this page and learn more about harnessing the power of your ears—even if they sometimes don’t play nice. You’ll discover that APD can be navigated with some clever tweaks, a bit of practice, and a willingness to speak up about what you need.