EDINBURGH, UK – New insights from Hearing Diagnostics suggest that younger adults may be experiencing unexpected difficulties with central auditory processing—potentially linked to modern listening habits such as near constant usage of headphones and personal listening devices.
While piloting its novel spatial-hearing-based screening technology, the company discovered that adults aged under 30 often struggle with the spatial hearing task, despite having normal hearing thresholds. Surprisingly, older adults (50+) with normal hearing performed better than young adults, contradicting almost all existing research into binaural processing since studies on the subject first began.
The findings align with growing concerns about Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)—a condition where the brain struggles to interpret sounds, despite normal hearing. A recent BBC report highlights the increasing prevalence of APD, particularly among younger individuals.
“We weren’t expecting these results at all. This raises an important question regarding central auditory processing abilities in young adults, which could potentially have consequences in older life.”
–Dr. Claudia Freigang, CEO and co-founder of Hearing Diagnostics
Hearing Diagnostics is continuing to investigate these findings using their technology, with the goal of promoting earlier intervention.
Source: Hearing Diagnostics
