Auditory Processing Differences

Auditory processing differences affect how someone’s brain makes sense of sound. It’s not about hearing itself — someone might pass a hearing test just fine — but they may still find certain environments or conversations difficult to process.

For example, a person might struggle to follow speech in a noisy room, find background sounds just as loud as a conversation, or need more time to understand spoken instructions.

This is especially common in neurodivergent people, such as those with autism or ADHD. For some, it can lead to sensory overload or anxiety in places like schools, offices, or busy public spaces.

Auditory processing differences aren’t about intelligence or attention. They reflect a different way of experiencing sound — and with the right understanding or adjustments, people can often navigate sound-heavy environments more comfortably.