Expert: Christine D. DeLoatch, MA CCC-SLP - 3/9/2006

Question
Hello.

Actually, my question isn't really about ADD - which I do have - but more about speech-language disability. I was diagnosed with ADD a few months ago - I'm 19 -, but the medications I have tried doesn't help at all with the 'auditory' problems I have. After trying a few things I am beginning to wonder if I should be concerned whether or not I should go see an audiologist to get tested for auditory processing disorder.

I did see an audiologist when I was one because I have - at least what it seemed - nonstop inner ear infections up until the end of 4th grade or so. I never was given tubes for my ears, but I was given some different kind of medication when I was younger. My speech was delayed - and I couldn't talk until I was four, and I could babble somewhat a little before I turned four. I cannot comprehend words that are spelled out loud if they are over four letters long, and if they are four letters or less it takes me a while. A part of that reason might be because sometimes I get letters mixed up like I might have to think about what 'Y' is and cannot comprhend it when said outloud or 'W,' but this is not with every letter. I have a hard time speaking different languages when I know the words, and it is even worse when someone speaks to me because I cannot separate the words. This happens a little with regular English as well - but this also depends such as the background noise or if it is a lecture or not. Asking people to repeat, though I know they were loud enough, is quite common with me because a lot of times it all sounds like loud muffling. And I'm a horrible speller [which is why I rely on spell-checker for everything]. Lastly, though this doesn't have much to do with the auditory part, I have a hard time comprehending paragraphs that I have to read - I can read them, but if someone told me to repeat what the paragraph was about, or some certain detail, I have difficulty doing this.

That I suppose is the gist of it. I have a horrible memory so I am sure there are other situations I could bring up if I could remember, but I'm wondering whether or not these are problems beyond ADD and that an audiologist would be a good idea. My uncle has the same auditory problems [only much worse than me], and I am abidextrous - but this could also account for the ADD side as well.

Thanks for reading this, and I hope that you're able to answer my question. Have a wonderful day.

Answer
Dear Theresa,

Thanks for asking me your question. The answer is...Yes.  I do think you should see an audiologist and get a test for auditory processing disorder.  I am considering doing this myself, however, I think the situations you described ammount to more than the subtle concerns I have.  Auditory processing problems can show up in areas such as spelling, understanding foreign languages and in language comprehension.  

I think you are being pro-active.  I applaud you for that.  I also think there are many programs that you may be able to use alone that would benefit you, but you do need to know what areas you are weak in, in order to make the most of them.  

This is also a good time.  We want to make your studying easier not harder.  Good Luck.

All my blessings,

Christine