Health experts are warning that noise-canceling headphones may be linked to auditory processing disorder (APD), a brain condition affecting 3-5% of school-aged children. APD impairs the brain’s ability to process sounds, making it difficult to understand speech in noisy environments or from fast talkers, despite normal hearing. The condition is not detectable by standard hearing tests. Experts suggest that using noise-canceling headphones too often creates a "false environment" where the brain doesn't need to work as hard to process sound. This may delay the development of complex listening skills, particularly in late teens when the brain's auditory processing abilities are still maturing. APD can also impact reading and spelling abilities. The condition is typically caused by head injuries, chronic ear infections, or meningitis.