Hearing Disorders and Auditory Processing
Hearing disorders can significantly influence language development, speech comprehension and school performance. We support children and adults with hearing impairments – from auditory processing disorders to post-cochlear-implant and hearing aid rehabilitation.
Which hearing disorders do we treat?
- Auditory processing and perception disorders (APD)
- Speech and communication therapy after hearing aid fitting
- Hearing and language rehabilitation after cochlear implant (CI)
- Supporting therapy for conductive hearing loss
- Understanding speech in noise and with background sound
- Spoken language therapy for deaf and hard-of-hearing children
Auditory processing disorder (APD)
In APD, peripheral hearing is intact – the hearing threshold is normal. Nevertheless, affected individuals struggle to distinguish, localise, retain in short-term memory or understand speech against background noise.
APD often goes unrecognised for a long time because it does not show up in a standard audiogram. Typical signs in children: difficulties with dictation, frequent requests to repeat, distractibility in noisy environments and problems learning to read.
Cochlear implant and hearing aid rehabilitation
A cochlear implant (CI) enables deaf or profoundly hard-of-hearing individuals to perceive sounds and speech. Technical provision is just the beginning, however: the brain must learn to process the new auditory signal and derive speech from it.
Accompanying speech therapy after CI activation is crucial for hearing outcomes. We work specifically on sound discrimination, speech comprehension, sound elicitation and communication competence.
Effects on language and learning
Hearing impairments that arise early or go unrecognised can affect several areas:
- Language development: slower vocabulary and grammar acquisition
- Articulation: inaccurate sound production due to reduced auditory feedback
- School performance: difficulties with reading, writing and dictation
- Social participation: misunderstandings, withdrawal in group situations
- Concentration: greater effort when listening leads to fatigue
Our approach
We begin with a comprehensive assessment of auditory and language abilities. If APD is suspected, we recommend audiological or phoniatric diagnostics prior to therapy.
Therapy is tailored to the individual profile: auditory training, speech comprehension in everyday situations, sound elicitation or CI follow-up care. We actively involve parents, teachers and caregivers.
Therapy process
- 1Case history and assessment (including CI records if applicable)
- 2Coordination with ENT specialist and audiology as needed
- 3Individual therapy plan: auditory training, speech comprehension, sound elicitation
- 4Regular sessions – frequency depends on type of provision and progress
- 5Parent and environment counselling
- 6Progress diagnostics and adjustment
Frequently asked questions
My child hears loud sounds – can they still have a hearing disorder?
Yes. In APD, the hearing threshold is normal, but brain processing is impaired. Those affected hear sounds but struggle to distinguish speech – especially in noisy environments. An audiological or phoniatric assessment provides clarity.
When should speech therapy begin after CI activation?
As early as possible – ideally directly after initial fitting. The brain is particularly receptive in the first weeks and months after activation. Early speech therapy has the greatest influence on long-term hearing outcomes.
Who issues a referral for hearing-related speech therapy?
Referrals for speech therapy for hearing disorders are issued by ENT doctors, paediatricians or phoniatric-audiological clinics.
Are school accommodations available for children with APD?
Yes. With a medical or audiological report, accommodations such as extra time in dictation, a preferred seat or FM system use can be requested. We are happy to support you in communicating with the school.
Ready for the next step?
Book your first appointment online or get in touch with our practice in Erding.