APD Assessment Canberra

Auditory Processing
Disorder (APD) Assessment

APD is when the brain has difficulty interpreting sounds — especially speech — even though hearing ability is normal. Canberra Audiology provides comprehensive APD assessments for children from age 5 and adults up to age 65.

Book an Assessment Call (02) 6156 4474
5%
Of children are estimated to have APD
2–4.5 hrs
Typical assessment duration (can be split)
Age 5+
Children can be assessed from 5 years of age
What Is APD?

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) is a condition where the brain has difficulty interpreting sounds — especially speech — even though the ears themselves are functioning normally. The ears hear the sound, but the brain struggles to make sense of it.

This can make conversations in noisy environments, classrooms, or group settings particularly challenging. People with APD often describe it as hearing words clearly but not being able to understand what is being said — particularly when there is background noise or when someone speaks quickly.

APD is not a hearing loss. It is a processing difficulty that affects how the brain handles sound — and it can significantly impact a person's ability to learn, communicate, and concentrate in everyday situations.

Important distinction: APD is not the same as hearing loss, ADHD, or a language disorder — though these conditions can co-exist. A proper APD assessment is needed to distinguish APD from other conditions that can produce similar symptoms.

APD assessment at Canberra Audiology
Prevalence

How Common Is APD?

APD affects people across all age groups — though it is most commonly identified in school-age children where listening difficulties impact learning.

~5%

Children

APD is estimated to affect around 5% of school-age children, making it one of the more common causes of listening and learning difficulties.

0.5–1%

Adults (18–64)

APD can also affect working-age adults, particularly those who have struggled with listening difficulties throughout their lives without a formal diagnosis.

Up to 14%

Older Adults (65+)

The prevalence of auditory processing difficulties increases with age, often related to age-related changes in how the brain processes sound.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of APD

A person does not need to present with all symptoms — typically showing two or more of the following is sufficient to consider an assessment. Symptoms are grouped by the area of difficulty they affect.

Listening in Noise

  • Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments
  • Trouble following conversations in groups or busy spaces
  • Struggling to separate one voice from background sound

Understanding & Memory

  • Difficulty following long or multi-step instructions
  • Trouble remembering spoken information
  • Often needing people to repeat themselves

Learning & Communication

  • Difficulty with reading, spelling, or language learning
  • Trouble processing spoken instructions at school or work
  • Slow or delayed responses to spoken questions

Attention & Sound Processing

  • Easily distracted by background noise
  • Difficulty maintaining focus in noisy environments
  • Sounds may feel unclear or "blurred"
The Assessment Process

How APD Is Assessed

APD assessment is a structured process that goes well beyond a standard hearing test. Here's what's involved.

1

Hearing Test

A standard hearing test is performed first to confirm that your ears are detecting sound normally before APD testing begins.

2

Background Information

You complete questionnaires and a detailed history is taken to understand your listening difficulties in everyday situations.

3

Screening for Related Factors

Additional screening may be recommended to rule out related conditions such as language, attention, or cognitive processing difficulties.

4

APD Testing

You listen to sounds, words, and sentences and respond to what you hear — assessing how your brain processes auditory information.

Assessment duration: APD testing usually takes 2–4.5 hours and may be split into shorter sessions of around 1 hour each — especially for children — to ensure attention levels remain high throughout.

Eligibility

Who Can Be Assessed for APD?

APD assessments are available for both children and adults, with age guidelines in place to ensure results are accurate and clinically meaningful.

Children (from age 5)

Children can usually be assessed from 5 years of age. Younger children are generally not suitable for testing, as the tasks require sustained attention and the ability to follow instructions that can be difficult for under 5s.

In some cases, it is helpful for children to also have assessments with an Educational Psychologist or Speech Pathologist. These assessments provide additional information about learning, language, and attention skills that may overlap with APD symptoms.

Note: Our audiologists can screen for a range of related listening and processing difficulties as part of the APD assessment process, and will refer on where appropriate.

Adults (up to ~65 years)

Adults up to approximately 65 years of age can be assessed for APD. This age range is recommended because natural age-related changes in hearing and brain processing can affect the accuracy of certain APD tests in older adults.

Many adults with APD have struggled with listening difficulties their whole lives without ever receiving a formal diagnosis. An APD assessment can provide clarity, validation, and a clear pathway to management strategies.

Note: If you are over 65 and concerned about your listening abilities, please contact us to discuss whether an assessment is appropriate for your situation.

Management

Treatment for APD — The Management Tripod

If a diagnosis of APD is made, treatment is tailored to the type and profile of APD present. Most management plans follow a three-part evidence-based approach known as the management tripod.

Pillar 1
1

Remote Microphone Systems

A small device worn by the speaker that sends their voice directly to the listener via a personal receiver. This significantly improves speech clarity in noisy environments — particularly in classrooms, workplaces, and social settings.

Pillar 2
2

Auditory Training

Structured listening exercises completed with an audiologist or through computer-based programs. These exercises are designed to strengthen the brain's ability to process and interpret sound over time — improving listening performance in real-world situations.

Pillar 3
3

Compensatory Strategies

Practical techniques taught by an audiologist, speech pathologist, or psychologist to help manage listening difficulties in everyday life. These may include communication strategies, environmental adjustments, note-taking techniques, and attention management.

Tailored to you: Treatment is always individualised to the type and severity of APD identified during assessment. Your audiologist will work with you to develop a management plan that fits your lifestyle, goals, and circumstances.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions we're asked most often about APD.

How is APD different from hearing loss?
With hearing loss, the ear itself doesn't detect sound normally. With APD, the ears function normally — but the brain has difficulty interpreting the sounds it receives, particularly speech in noisy environments. APD requires different assessment methods and management strategies to hearing loss.
Can APD be confused with ADHD?
Yes — APD and ADHD share many overlapping symptoms, including distractibility, difficulty following instructions, and poor performance in noisy environments. They can also co-exist. A proper APD assessment helps distinguish between the two conditions and identify the most appropriate management pathway.
Do I need a referral for an APD assessment?
No referral is required to book an APD assessment at Canberra Audiology. However, some funding pathways (such as NDIS) may require documentation. Please contact us to discuss your situation before booking.
Can adults have APD?
Absolutely. While APD is most commonly identified in children, many adults have lived with undiagnosed APD for years. A formal assessment provides clarity and opens the door to effective management strategies that can significantly improve everyday listening and communication.
How long does the assessment take?
A full APD assessment typically takes 2–4.5 hours. To maintain accuracy — particularly for children — this is often split into two or more sessions of approximately 1 hour each. Your audiologist will advise on the recommended approach for your situation.
Can APD be treated?
Yes — there are several evidence-based approaches to managing APD. Treatment is personalised to the specific type of APD identified and typically includes remote microphone technology, auditory training, and compensatory strategies. Outcomes are generally positive with consistent management.
Is APD covered by Medicare or NDIS?
APD assessments may attract a Medicare rebate with a written referral from a GP or specialist. NDIS funding may also be applicable for eligible participants. Please contact our team to discuss your specific funding situation before booking.

Think You or Your Child May Have APD?

The first step is to get in touch. Our audiologists will discuss your concerns and guide you through whether an APD assessment is the right next step for you or your child.

Book Now
Get Clarity

Book an APD Assessment at Canberra Audiology

Comprehensive APD assessments for children from age 5 and adults up to age 65. For more information call us on (02) 6156 4474.

Book Online Now Call (02) 6156 4474
Your information is secure and confidential