I have great hearing. I just can't understand people.

[justlikeme0]

When people talk I often times can't make out what they are saying. It sounds mushed together and like gibberish. I end up reading lips because it helps me figure out what they are trying to say. I looked this up and I found out that this is tied to APD (auditory preception disorder). But this usually happens early in childhood. Although my symptom has happened as far back as I can remember, my mom said I had no other symptoms in early childhood.
Why do you think I can't understand people and what should I do about it?

[Pandamonium]

I would say consult an ear/nose/throat specialist or even your general doctor as soon as you are able. Getting a definite diagnosis and finding out why this is happening will be the best thing for you. =]

As for why, the possibilities are all over the place and it'd be hard to narrow down, I've had many ear problems my life and my hearing tends to come and go.

[Hallelujah]

It sounds like you're not processing what people are saying because your brain isn't translating fast enough - it's different for different people, same as why people read at different speeds, depends how fast you can translate it from words to sense.

Like Pandamonium said, I'd see an ENT or audiologist, but in the meantime, just briefly explain to people that you've got a bit of a hearing problem and ask if they could slow down, 'cause that might make it easier. People do understand - I have dodgy ear canals so I often go deaf in one ear, and when I'm at work it's a nightmare, but people are really understanding