Understanding Auditory Processing Difficulties (and How to Help)

Why hearing and understanding aren’t always the same thing.

Have you ever spoken to someone and felt like they heard you — but didn’t quite understand you? Or maybe your child zones out when there's a lot of background noise, or gets overwhelmed in busy environments.

This could be more than distraction or inattention. It could be Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) — sometimes called Auditory Processing Difficulties — and it affects how the brain makes sense of the sounds we hear.

Let’s break down what it is, how it shows up in everyday life, and how you can help.

👂 What Is Auditory Processing?

Auditory processing is how the brain interprets the sounds sent from your ears. It’s not about hearing loss — the ears might work perfectly — but the brain struggles to sort, organise, or make sense of what’s being heard.

People with auditory processing difficulties often:

• Hear sounds, but struggle to process them clearly

• Find it hard to focus when there’s background noise

• Mix up similar-sounding words or instructions

• Take longer to respond during conversations

• Seem like they’re not listening — but they are trying

APD is more common than most people realise, especially in neurodivergent individuals such as those with ADHD, autism, or learning differences.

🧠 What Does It Look Like in Daily Life?

Auditory processing challenges can show up in many different ways. Here are a few real-world examples:

• In the classroom: A student hears the teacher but misses key instructions, especially if the room is noisy or the teacher speaks quickly.

• In social settings: A teen might avoid group conversations because they struggle to keep up with the rapid back-and-forth or miss jokes and cues.

• At home: A child is asked to “go grab your shoes and bag” — but only grabs the shoes. They weren’t being defiant; they only processed part of what you said.

• In noisy places: Busy cafes, shopping centres, or school assemblies can be overwhelming, triggering meltdowns or shutdowns.

🔍 Signs of Auditory Processing Difficulties

While it needs a formal diagnosis by an audiologist or specialist, here are some signs that someone may be experiencing auditory processing challenges:

✅ Trouble following spoken instructions

✅ Easily distracted by background noise

✅ Frequent “What?” or “Huh?” responses

✅ Difficulty with verbal memory

✅ Takes longer to respond to questions

✅ Mixes up words that sound alike

✅ May struggle with reading or phonics

These signs are often misunderstood as poor behaviour, laziness, or attention problems — but the root issue is often the processing of sound, not the hearing itself.

🙌 How You Can Support Someone With Auditory Processing Challenges

The good news? There are simple ways to support people with APD in everyday life.

🔹 Use visual supports

Visuals like written schedules, cue cards, or diagrams help reinforce spoken information.

🔹 Break it down

Give instructions in small steps. Instead of “Go get dressed and pack your bag,” try “First, go get dressed. Then come back and I’ll help with your bag.”

🔹 Slow it down

Speak a little slower, and pause between key points to give time for processing.

🔹 Check for understanding

Ask them to repeat back what they heard — not as a test, but as a way to clarify.

🔹 Limit background noise

Where possible, reduce distractions (TV, music, other voices) during important conversations or learning.

🔹 Be patient

It’s frustrating to have to repeat yourself — but it’s more frustrating to feel like you’re always getting it wrong. A calm, patient approach makes a big difference.

💡 Tools That Can Help

There are a range of supports that can make life easier:

🎧 Noise-reducing headphones — great for loud environments

📝 Visual schedules or planners — to reduce reliance on verbal instructions

📱 Speech-to-text apps — helpful for processing conversations at their own pace

🎮 Auditory training games or apps — designed to improve listening skills over time

For children or teens, occupational therapy or speech therapy might also help build processing skills and confidence.

👥 How This Relates to the NDIS

If auditory processing challenges significantly impact a person’s daily functioning — at home, school, or in the community — it may be included in their NDIS plan.

Under the NDIS, supports may be available for:

• Assistive technology (e.g. headphones, communication aids)

• Therapy services (speech, OT)

• Education support and learning strategies

• Social participation and skill-building

A formal assessment is usually needed, so speak with your child’s support coordinator or allied health team if this is a concern.

Final Thoughts

Auditory processing difficulties are real — even if they’re invisible. Just because someone hears you doesn’t mean they’ve processed what you said.

By learning to spot the signs and adjusting how we communicate, we can help people with APD feel more confident, understood, and included.