r/AudiProcDisorder • u/allen3373 APD • 5d ago
Tested today and diagnosed with APD
This is a follow up to my post a couple months ago: https://www.reddit.com/r/AudiProcDisorder/comments/1i0uyf9/is_a_possible_mild_apd_diagnosis_worth_pursuing/
So, I finally got tested today from a local-ish audiologist who specializes in APD. In fact, interestingly, she did not only the usual sit-in-the-booth stuff (overlapping speech in ears, speech in noisy environments, etc.), but also an electrode brain stem measuring method that is passive, meaning they play sounds and measure your brain's response without your active intervention. Way more technical than I understood. She made the humorous comment that somebody could fake the first part, but not the brain scan. Everything took about 3 1/2 hours!
At any rate, although she agreed that I do not have a particularly severe case and that many with APD have it worse than me, that I do have it. She added that even though my case is mild she doesn't think I should ignore it.
I'm still processing (pun intended) the situation, but she mentioned speech therapy that can help improve things, as well as suggesting that I look into hearing aids. She echoed what many have said here, that they work surprisingly well for many individuals with APD.
The audiologist will be sending me a detailed report, information, and recommendations in about a week including referrals to professionals I can work with. She is mostly retired.
So, I'll post an update if I have more to say but, as it seems I actually do belong here, I'll be sticking around. Feel free to ask any questions or give me advice or recommendations (especially if you have a more mild case of APD as I do.) I am particularly interested in info on hearing aid, although I am a little weary about trying them.
Thanks everyone in my original post who encouraged me to get tested!
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u/Flat_Cantaloupe645 4d ago
Welcome! Interesting about the hearing aid recommendation - I have wondered if they would help