Choosing Between In-Person and Telehealth APD Evaluations

For families and adults across the Southeast trying to access care for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), one of the first questions that comes up is whether to pursue an in-person evaluation or a telehealth option. Both paths have real value, and the right choice often comes down to where you live, your schedule, and what type of evaluation or therapy you need.

What We Offer via Telehealth

We hold audiology licenses in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, which means residents throughout the Southeast can access our services remotely. Through telehealth, we offer full APD evaluations and Buffalo Model auditory therapy — the same evidence-based approach we use in our Columbia, SC clinic.

For many families, this removes a significant barrier. Traveling hours for a 3-4 hour evaluation, followed by a counseling session, is a real commitment. Being able to complete that process from home makes APD care accessible to people who might otherwise delay getting help or skip it entirely.

What Requires an In-Person Visit

Telehealth doesn't cover everything we offer. ARIA therapy — our auditory rehabilitation program for interaural asymmetry — is only available in-person at our clinic. We are currently the only practice in South Carolina providing ARIA therapy, so patients who need this specific treatment will need to come see us in Columbia.

Primary Reflex Assessments and Primary Reflex Therapy using the Masgutova Method (MNRI) are also in-person only. Standard hearing tests are offered in-person as well.

If you're coming from out of state for an evaluation and already know you're interested in ARIA therapy or primary reflex work, it may make sense to coordinate your initial visit to cover multiple services at once.

How APD Evaluations Work

Whether done virtually or in-person, our APD evaluations are thorough. They typically take 3-4 hours, followed by a 1-2 hour counseling session to go over results and recommendations. Parents receive a typed summary of findings and recommendations the same day, along with any accommodations their child's school may need. A full written report follows about a month later.

The evaluation looks at four key areas — decoding, tolerance-fading memory, integration, and organization — to identify where auditory processing difficulties are occurring and what can be done about them. The specific tests used depend on age, the referring concern, and the individual's auditory profile.

Weighing Your Options

If you're in a rural area of Georgia or North Carolina, or simply have a packed schedule, telehealth may be the most practical starting point. You get the same evaluation process and the same audiologist.

If you're already in the Columbia area, or if you anticipate needing ARIA therapy or primary reflex work following your evaluation, coming in-person from the start makes sense.

For many patients, the process actually involves both — a telehealth evaluation to get answers quickly, followed by in-person therapy sessions for treatments that require hands-on care.

Schedule Your APD Evaluation

If you or your child is struggling with listening in noise, following directions, reading, spelling, or staying focused during auditory tasks, an APD evaluation is a good place to start. We work with patients ages 4 and up, and we're happy to talk through whether telehealth or an in-person visit makes more sense for your situation. Contact us at (803) 567-2533 or visit hearsensesc.com to schedule.