Family Hearing Centre works in Partnership with SoundSkills
SoundSkills are Specialists in Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Visit the SoundSkills website here to find out more
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Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) refers to difficulties in hearing that stem from issues with how the brain processes auditory information. Unlike traditional hearing issues, APD cannot be identified through standard diagnostic hearing tests, which primarily assess basic hearing capabilities.
This disorder manifests when the brain struggles to interpret and make sense of sounds, leading to challenges in understanding spoken language, distinguishing between similar sounds, and following auditory instructions. As a result, individuals with APD may encounter difficulties in various communication settings.
It's crucial to note that APD often goes undetected by conventional hearing assessments, as these tests focus solely on peripheral hearing. As a result, a comprehensive evaluation specifically targeting auditory processing abilities is necessary to diagnose and address APD effectively.
In New Zealand, research suggests that APD affects approximately 6.2% (1 in 20) of children. Early identification and intervention are key to managing APD and supporting individuals in overcoming the associated auditory challenges. At Family Hearing Centre, we specialise in Auditory Processing Disorder Testing in Auckland, ensuring accurate assessments and tailored care for those affected by APD.
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What is Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in NZ?
Signs of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) in Children
If a child has Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), you may observe difficulties in various areas, including:
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Listening and hearing, especially if there’s a lot of background noise and distractions.
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Following instructions (especially multiple verbal instructions).
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Listening when a signal is not clear or is ‘degraded’ (for example, soft, rapid or distorted).
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Staying focused – for example, they might be easily distracted or appear to be day-dreaming.
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Telling the difference between letters that sound similar, like ‘k’ and ‘g’, or ‘t’ and ‘d’.
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Remembering to say the beginning or end sounds of words when they're reading.
APD can often appear as problems with learning, listening and communication, as well as reading and writing. Those affected by APD might make frequent requests for repetition and/or rephrasing of information, saying “what” or “huh” often.
Adults and children aged 5 and above can complete an APD test at our Auckland hearing clinic. A recent full diagnostic hearing test is a requirement before undertaking an APD test. If this has been done at another hearing provider, please email Family Hearing Centre the test results prior to the appointment.
Experience Family Hearing Centres Reliable Auditory Processing Disorder Testing in Auckland
Our Auditory Processing Disorder testing in Auckland involves a series of 6-10 distinct tasks meticulously designed to assess various components of the Auditory System. ​
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Upon completion of the testing, our dedicated Auckland Audiologists at Family Hearing Centre will walk you through the results, providing a clear understanding of the outcomes. Additionally, a detailed report summarising the findings will be prepared for your reference following the appointment.
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We understand that not everyone can afford the cost of Auditory Processing Disorder Testing in Auckland, and the wait time to be seen at a public hospital can be long. To better accommodate your needs, we encourage you to contact Family Hearing Centre and discuss flexible payment options. Your auditory well-being is our priority and at our Auckland Audiology clinic, we are committed to making our audiology services accessible to all.
Visit Family Hearing Centre to book your Auditory Processing Disorder Test in Auckland. Choose our hearing clinic in Auckland for effective and personalised audiology care.
Specialist assistive technology for Auditory Processing Disorder in NZ
For certain cases, students identified with significant learning needs and diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) may receive guidance from their audiologist to trial a personal remote microphone hearing system (RMHA). Personal RMHA listening devices enable students to directly hear a single voice (captured by a microphone) through receivers worn in their ears. If a student with a diagnosis of APD is learning well, and not receiving additional adult support in class they will not be eligible for this support from the Ministry of Education.
Ministry of Education RMHA funding
To be eligible for the Ministry of Education RMHA funding, an individual student must;
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Have a formal diagnosis of APD from a specialised paediatric audiologist.
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Be receiving additional learning support to address their learning needs through one of the Ministry’s services (see below).
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Show that the use of an RMHA system makes a difference to their learning outcomes.
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We go through this APD funding option in more detail with parents and help you apply for this.
Note: Retrospective funding is not available.
FAQ about Auditory Processing Disorder and APD Testing in Auckland
Explore our frequently asked questions to learn more about APD in Auckland.
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What does an Audiologist help with?Audiologists are highly trained healthcare professionals who specialise in diagnosing and treating various hearing and balance disorders. They provide comprehensive services to individuals of all ages, addressing concerns such as hearing loss, Tinnitus, Auditory Processing Disorder, ear wax build-up, and other hearing and ear--related issues. Additionally, they play a crucial role in the selection and fitting of hearing aids, offering support to enhance your hearing and overall well-being. Get in touch with your Family Hearing Centre Auckland audiologist, to discover comprehensive ear health solutions. For more information about our hearing system, read our blog about how we hear the sounds that pass through our ears.
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Can an Audiologist do a hearing test?Yes, audiologists are fully equipped to perform thorough hearing assessments. Our audiology clinic in Auckland offers a wide range of hearing tests for all ages. We utilise a range of advanced diagnostic tools to assess your auditory function and identify any hearing challenges or abnormalities. We are fully set up to conduct hearing tests for infants and children. Read about the signs of hearing loss in infants and toddlers for information about hearing loss and young children.
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What can an Audiologist tell from a hearing test?During a hearing test, an audiologist can obtain valuable insights into your hearing health. They can determine the degree and type of hearing loss you may have, providing a clear picture of your hearing and ear health. This information can guide them in offering tailored treatment options or further referrals as necessary. Schedule a hearing test appointment with our Auckland audiologist today.
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Can an Audiologist detect and diagnose ear problems?Audiologists are trained at detecting a variety of ear problems, including conditions such as ear infections, ear wax buildup, and more. Their expertise enables them to provide early detection and appropriate referrals to other specialists when required, ensuring comprehensive ear care. At our Auckland audiology clinic, we offer a wide range of audiology services to ensure that your ear health is expertly cared for.
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What is the difference between an Audiometrist and an Audiologist?The distinction between an Audiometrist and an Audiologist lies in their qualifications and scope of practice. Audiologists in New Zealand hold a Master of Audiology degree or equivalent overseas qualification and possess in-depth training, allowing them to diagnose and treat a wide range of hearing and balance disorders. On the other hand, Audiometrists may have varying levels of training, which may not encompass the same comprehensive expertise as Audiologists. MNZAS Audiologists are Full Members of the New Zealand Audiological Society, the professional body for Audiologists and Audiometrists in New Zealand. They are able to access all funding options that you may be entitled to. MNZAS Audiologists maintain continual professional development to stay current.
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Can an Audiologist manage Tinnitus?Yes, at our Auckland audiology clinic, we can indeed provide management and treatment options for tinnitus. While tinnitus may not always be "fixed" in the sense of a complete cure, Audiologists offer strategies and therapies to help individuals cope with and reduce the impact of tinnitus in their daily lives. These approaches may include education, sound therapy, and the use of specialised devices. Book your Tinnitus appointment with our audiologist today.
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Can a GP refer you to an Audiologist?In many cases, your General Practitioner (GP) will refer you to an audiologist for a hearing assessment or further evaluation and treatment of hearing issues. We work closely with GPs and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists, ensuring a collaborative approach so that you receive the appropriate care for your hearing health needs.
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How much is a Hearing Test in New Zealand?The cost of a hearing test in New Zealand can vary depending on the audiology clinic and the specific services offered. Review our hearing test pricing for the specific tests and assessments you are after. Alternatively, feel free to contact our audiology clinic directly for accurate pricing details and any potential subsidies or funding options you might be entitled to.
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What is the difference between a hearing specialist and an Audiologist?In many cases, the terms ‘hearing specialist’ and ‘audiologist’ are used interchangeably. ‘Audiologist’ is the correct or official term for ‘hearing specialist’ as we are specialists in hearing. However, audiologists deal with more than just hearing. We are experts in assessing, diagnosing, and treating various ear-related issues. Refer to ‘What does an audiologist help with’ for more information on the role of an audiologist.
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What Auckland regions do Family Hearing Centre serve?Whether you are looking for an Auckland audiologist in New Market, Blockhouse Bay, North Shore or other areas in Auckland, we welcome patients from all over Auckland and would gladly help you with your hearing needs.
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Can an Audiologist clean ear wax?Yes, certain audiologists are skilled in performing ear wax removal. Your audiologists at Family Hearing Centre have completed the training to safely and confidently remove ear wax. They employ safe and effective methods, such as micro-suction or instrumentation, to remove excess ear wax, contributing to improved hearing and ear health. Book an audiologist appointment to get your ear wax removed today.
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Can an Audiologist help with ear pressure?Yes, our Auckland audiologists at Family Hearing Centre have a deep understanding of ear pressure concerns and can assist. Ear pressure can be related to issues like ear wax build-up, eustachian tube dysfunction or middle ear problems. Audiologists can assess your ears, identify the cause of the pressure, and recommend appropriate treatments or referrals to other specialists if needed. In addition, we have a variety of hearing tests at our Auckland clinic that cater to all age groups and levels of hearing loss. Our audiologists in Auckland can recommend the most suitable hearing test based on your specific needs and concerns.
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How is a blocked eustachian tube diagnosed?Our Auckland audiologists at Family Hearing Centre can diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction through various methods. This may involve a combination of examining the ears, conducting hearing tests, and observing symptoms like ear pressure or discomfort. Read our eustachian tube dysfunction blog to understand the treatment options available at our Auckland audiology clinic.
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Can an Audiologist fix tinnitus?While there is no definitive cure for tinnitus, our audiologists at Family Hearing Centre in Auckland can provide management strategies and treatments to help reduce its impact. Our audiologists may recommend hearing aids for tinnitus management, sound therapy, counselling, or other techniques to alleviate symptoms.
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What is the difference between a hearing test and an Audiologist?A hearing test is an evaluation of your ability to hear sounds at different frequencies and volumes. An audiologist in Auckland is a trained professional who conducts hearing tests and specialises in diagnosing, treating, and managing hearing loss. Audiologists can offer a comprehensive assessment beyond just a basic hearing test. Additionally, at Family Hearing Centre, we specialise in microsuction ear wax removal, a safe and effective method for clearing excess ear wax. We are also highly skilled in fitting our Auckland patients with hearing aids to ensure they achieve the optimal hearing solution tailored to their needs.
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Is it better to get a hearing aid from an Audiologist?Our Audiologists in Auckland at Family Hearing Centre have specialised expertise in assessing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids based on individual needs. At Family Hearing Centre, our Audiologist can also provide personalised care, follow-up appointments, and adjustments to ensure your hearing aid(s) works effectively for you.
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Why would someone go to an Audiologist?People go to audiologists for various reasons including hearing loss, tinnitus, ear infections, and other ear or auditory concerns. Audiologists conduct comprehensive assessments and diagnostic tests, such as hearing tests, to evaluate hearing function and identify specific issues. Additionally, at our Auckland Audiology clinic, we offer specialised services including microsuction ear wax removal and custom ear plug fittings. Our audiologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating conditions like auditory processing disorder, ensuring that each patient receives personalised care and appropriate recommendations. We also provide expert guidance on hearing aids, optimising hearing solutions to meet individual needs and preferences.
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What age should you see an Audiologist?It's recommended to see an audiologist at any age if you have concerns about hearing or balance. For infants or children, early detection of hearing issues is crucial for development. Adults should also seek evaluation if they notice changes in their hearing or experience symptoms like tinnitus or blocked ears. We have a wide variety of hearing tests in Auckland specifically suited to all ages and stages of hearing loss. Overall, it's never too early or too late to consult with an audiologist if you suspect any hearing-related problems.
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Can a GP do a child's hearing test?While GPs can perform basic hearing screenings and address issues like ear infections or blockages, they typically do not conduct comprehensive hearing tests. For a thorough assessment of your child's hearing in Auckland, visit Family Hearing Centre. Our experienced audiologists specialise in child hearing tests, using advanced audiology equipment and techniques tailored specifically for children. We are dedicated to accurately diagnosing and treating hearing issues, ensuring your child receives the best possible care.
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How do I get my child's ears tested?To get your child's ears tested, you can book an appointment directly with an Auckland audiologist at Family Hearing Centre. If you notice signs of hearing loss or have concerns about your child's hearing, it's important to act promptly. Your GP can refer you to an audiologist, or you can contact an audiology clinic directly to schedule a child hearing test. At our clinic, we specialise in child hearing tests and ensure a comfortable and supportive environment for children of all ages.
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How much is a child hearing test in NZ?The cost of a child hearing test in New Zealand can vary depending on the provider and the specific type of test required. It's best to contact your chosen clinic directly for an accurate quote. Our child hearing tests at our Auckland audiology clinic start from $165.We provide clear pricing information on our audiology bookings page.
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How do you test a child's hearing?Testing a child's hearing involves several methods tailored to the child's age and developmental level. For children under 3 years old, we typically use visual reinforcement audiometry and assess your child’s hearing by teaching them to turn to mechanical puppets or videos when they hear a sound. For children between 3-5 years old, we may use play audiometry, where the child is encouraged to respond to sounds through play activities. Older children may undergo pure-tone audiometry, where they listen to sounds at different volumes and pitches through headphones and respond by raising their hand or pressing a button. Each child hearing test is designed to be non-invasive and child-friendly, ensuring an accurate assessment of your child's hearing. View the various child hearing tests we offer at our Auckland audiology clinic, and what is involved.
