Do Headphones Cause Auditory Processing Disorder?

Our Own Dr. Brian Fligor Weighs In With NYT

When New York Times reporter and audio tech expert Lauren Dragan investigated claims that noise-canceling headphones may be linked to auditory processing disorder (APD), she sought out hearing care professionals like our own Dr. Brian Fligor for her story.

As president at Tobias & Battite Hearing Wellness and our audiologist-in-chief who’s provided care for people of all ages — including pediatric patients — Dr. Fligor has extensive experience in diagnosing and treating APD.

What did Dr. Fligor share, and what’s the next step if you or a loved one have potential symptoms of auditory processing disorder? Read on to learn more about Dr. Fligor’s insights, options for relief, and the first step to getting effective care.

 

Delving Into the BBC Report

First, a little more background on the NYT story, published just last month on February 27.

Prompted by reader concerns and stories including a BBC report discussing headphone use and APD (“Are Noise-Cancelling Headphones to Blame for Young People’s Hearing Problems?”), the  reporter took a closer look.

The BBC article cited an increase in young people diagnosed with auditory processing disorder, leading to speculation about noise-canceling headphones. Some audiologists emphasized the need for more research on impacts of extended headphone use.

For the story, the reporter reviewed medical research and reached out to 11 audiologists. All agreed that there is no evidence supporting a link between noise-canceling headphones and auditory processing disorder.

 

Understanding Auditory Processing Disorder

Auditory processing disorder, also called, “central auditory processing disorder,” is a neurological condition involving difficulty interpreting sounds the ears transmit to the brain, making it challenging to understand speech, follow oral instructions, or distinguish speech in noisy environments.

It can affect people of all ages but appears prevalent in older adults, especially those with hearing loss. Military members and veterans may have elevated risk of APD through high-intensity blast waves, neurotrauma, or other exposures.

APD can co-occur with or be mistaken for other conditions, such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A trained audiologist is uniquely qualified to diagnose the condition and can work in  collaboration with other professionals — a speech-language pathologist, for example — to create a personalized treatment plan.

 

Learning Dr. Fligor’s Insights

In the article, Dr. Fligor quickly addressed concerns about a potential connection between APD and noise-canceling headphones:

“As a pediatric audiologist with specific expertise in the use of headphones, [I can say] there is no evidence APD can develop secondary to using any headphone and certainly not active-noise-canceling (ANC) headphones.”

He also explained that:

• APD is tied to neurodiverse conditions, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning challenges.
• Many individuals with auditory sensory overload rely on headphones, earplugs, or earmuffs to manage symptoms.
• In classrooms, instructors may suggest a student pair headphones with a remote microphone if auditory overstimulation impedes their focus.
• APD in adults is typically secondary to traumatic brain injury, rather than associated with headphone use.

At appropriate volumes, noise-canceling headphones are generally safe to use. There’s no evidence that they cause APD; however, listening at high volumes can lead to hearing loss. In general, more than a billion young people are vulnerable to hearing loss from harmful listening habits.

Do you or a loved one suspect auditory processing disorder? Whether through specialized auditory training, hearing technology, environmental modifications, or other options personalized to your specific needs, APD can be successfully managed for a better quality of life.

 

Don’t wait. Book your comprehensive evaluation with our caring team today. Together, let’s support your relief from APD.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is auditory processing disorder a hearing issue?

APD is a learning and social-communication issue rather than a hearing disorder but can co-occur with hearing loss. It can also appear alongside conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, making an APD evaluation by a trained audiologist all the more critical.

What happens if APD is left untreated?

If unaddressed, auditory processing disorder APD can lead to other issues such as diminished communication, problems in higher language development, and social isolation — all affecting quality of life.

What are some signs of auditory processing disorder?

Common signs include trouble reading, listening, organizing verbal information, following multistep directions, filtering out background noise, or remembering what was heard.

 

Let us help you make the most of your outdoor excursions. Contact us today to schedule a hearing evaluation or clean and check of your hearing aids.

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