🧠APD Evaluation • For Teens & Adults
Hear fine but can’t always understand? Struggle in noisy classrooms or meetings? Comet Audiology provides comprehensive in-home APD evaluation and treatment planning across Broomfield, Boulder, Louisville, Lafayette, Erie, Niwot, Westminster & Brighton, CO.
2–3 hour evaluation
Comprehensive test battery + report
Understanding APD
APD is often misdiagnosed as ADHD, hearing loss, or “just not paying attention” – when the real issue is how the brain processes sound. A specialized APD evaluation by an audiologist is what tells you for sure.
Pure-tone audiometry, speech-in-quiet, and middle ear testing – to rule out peripheral hearing loss before APD testing begins.
Tests of how well the brain holds onto auditory information for processing – relevant for following multi-step directions.
A comprehensive written report suitable for IEP, 504, or workplace accommodation requests – with specific recommendations.
APD treatment is multi-modal – direct training of auditory skills, environmental changes, and compensatory strategies all working together.
Targeted exercises that strengthen specific auditory processing skills – such as hearing in noise, processing rapid speech, and dichotic listening. Done through structured at-home programs (sometimes with computer-based training apps).
Changes to listening environments that make APD less impactful – reducing background noise, improving acoustics, and using strategic seating to maximize signal-to-noise ratio in classrooms or workplaces.
Remote Mic / FM systems use a wireless microphone worn by a teacher, presenter, or conversation partner to deliver clear speech directly to the listener – dramatically improving signal quality in noisy environments.
Practical techniques that support listening – written instructions, visual supports, repeating back to confirm understanding, asking for written follow-ups, and structured note-taking. We teach the patient and family/teachers/employers.
An APD diagnosis from a licensed audiologist is recognized documentation for IEP, 504, or ADA accommodation requests – including extended test time, written instructions, quiet test environments, and access to assistive technology.
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Fatigue during testing skews results. At home, breaks are natural – and we can split testing across two visits if needed.
We see the patient’s actual listening environment – useful for tailored environmental and accommodation recommendations.
Auditory Processing Disorder is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing auditory information, despite normal hearing sensitivity. The ears work fine and the audiogram is typically normal - but the brain struggles to interpret, organize, or make sense of what's heard, especially in noisy environments. People with APD often describe themselves as "hearing fine but not always understanding."
Hearing loss is a problem with the ears - the auditory signal isn't reaching the brain clearly. APD is a problem with the brain processing the signal - the ears work fine, but the brain struggles to make sense of the sounds. Standard hearing tests typically come back normal in APD patients. A specialized APD test battery is needed to diagnose it.
ADHD is primarily an attention regulation issue affecting many domains (visual, motor, behavioral). APD is specifically a problem with how the brain processes auditory information. Symptoms can overlap - both can cause difficulty following instructions and seeming "inattentive" - but the underlying cause and treatment approach are different. Many patients have both conditions, which is why coordinated evaluation is valuable.
Yes. While APD is most often identified in school-age children, adults can absolutely have APD - either undiagnosed since childhood, or developed later as a result of head injury, stroke, age-related changes, or chronic noise exposure. Adult APD evaluation uses different test batteries than pediatric APD testing, and Comet Audiology provides this for patients across the Boulder & Broomfield area.
Common signs include: difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, frequently asking "what?" even with normal hearing, trouble following multi-step verbal directions, slow to respond to questions, easily distracted by background sounds, mishearing similar-sounding words, struggling in classrooms or meetings, difficulty with phonics or spelling, and feeling exhausted after listening-heavy activities.
APD is diagnosed by an audiologist using a specialized battery of tests that measure how well the brain processes specific aspects of sound - including listening with both ears at once (dichotic listening), processing rapid sound changes, hearing in noise, and identifying tone patterns. A standard hearing test alone cannot diagnose APD. The full evaluation typically takes 2-3 hours.
Yes, APD is highly manageable through a combination of direct auditory training (exercises that strengthen specific auditory processing skills), environmental modifications (such as reducing background noise or using FM systems), compensatory strategies (note-taking, asking for written instructions), and assistive listening technology when appropriate. Most patients see meaningful improvement with a coordinated treatment plan.
A comprehensive APD evaluation typically takes 2 to 3 hours, including a detailed history, full standard hearing test (to rule out peripheral hearing loss), the APD test battery itself, and review of results. We may schedule the evaluation across two visits if a patient fatigues easily - fatigue affects test results, so accuracy is the priority over speed.
Coverage for APD testing varies widely by insurance plan and is sometimes considered out-of-network or not covered. Comet Audiology can help check your specific benefits and provide documentation for reimbursement requests. We provide transparent self-pay pricing for those without coverage. (Note: please confirm specifics with your plan provider.)
Yes. A formal APD diagnosis from a licensed audiologist is recognized documentation that can support requests for IEP (Individualized Education Program) or 504 accommodations such as preferential seating, FM/Remote Mic systems, extended time on tests, written instructions, and quiet test environments. We provide a full diagnostic report with specific accommodation recommendations.
We provide expert, in-home hearing tests and audiology services across a wide range of locations for your convenience. Our licensed providers visit clients in Boulder, Broomfield, Louisville, Erie, Lafayette, Niwot, Westminster, and Brighton, CO. By bringing high-quality care directly to your doorstep, we ensure a comfortable and professional experience without the need for a clinic visit.
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