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What Are the Different Types of Perception Problems?

T. Carrier
T. Carrier

Perception occurs when the human body interprets the signals it receives from the outside environment. In essence, any of the major senses — seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, or smelling — are filtered through perception. When an individual experiences difficulties in interpreting any type of sensory input because of nervous system abnormalities, drugs, or other factors, perception disorders — often known broadly as sensory processing disorders — result. Particular perception problems include visual perception disorders and auditory perception disorders such as viewing objects in the wrong order or being unable to distinguish sounds, respectively. Losing sensitivity to touch, taste, or smell are also potential perception problems.

Visual perception problems impact the way an individual interprets stimuli targeted at the eyes. One common problem occurs in the organization or positioning of objects. Many individuals, for example, reverse letters when reading a word while others might confuse directions and perceive an object to be on the left when it is actually on the right. Similar difficulties might arise in judging the distance between two or more objects or in coordinating movements in response to visual stimuli. Some individuals even have trouble recognizing objects by usual characteristics like shape or size.

Auditory perception problems can range from difficulty sorting out differences between sounds or misinterpreting the amplification of background noise versus closer sounds.
Auditory perception problems can range from difficulty sorting out differences between sounds or misinterpreting the amplification of background noise versus closer sounds.

Auditory perception problems, on the other hand, tend to hinder interpretation of stimuli gathered from the ear. As such, sounds are perceived abnormally. An individual might have trouble sorting out both subtle and major differences in sounds, depending on the severity of the disability. The amplification of sounds could be misinterpreted as well, leading to background sounds overwhelming closer sounds or sounds that are unusually accelerated or slowed. In addition, sounds in words may be perceived out of sequence or blended together.

Losing sensitivity to smell is considered a perception problem.
Losing sensitivity to smell is considered a perception problem.

The other major senses — taste, touch, and smell — can also be categorized as distinct perceptual disabilities when sensory input and interpretation is hindered. The main manifestation of these specific problems occurs when sensitivity is either enhanced or diminished. In other words, the ability to taste, feel, and smell are unusually sharpened or dulled. In such cases, distinguishing between various stimuli may be severely disturbed or even non-existent.

Hearing is affected by auditory processing disorders.
Hearing is affected by auditory processing disorders.

Perception problems can also be recognized as learning disabilities in many regions, thus entitling the afflicted individual to specialized education. For example, an individual who visually confuses the placement of letters in a word cannot properly record and store the word in the brain. Resulting dyslexia compromises the individual’s ability to read and understand information properly. The key to correcting problems with perception in a structured setting often lies in simplifying stimuli and reducing outside distractions.

Discussion Comments

Buster29

I wonder if there are any drug treatments or physical therapies for these types of perception problems? I suppose someone with a visual perception problem would eventually turn the confusing information into his or her own reality. Telling that person that what they're seeing or what they're hearing isn't the "truth" would probably do more harm than good unless you were a therapist or something.

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    • Auditory perception problems can range from difficulty sorting out differences between sounds or misinterpreting the amplification of background noise versus closer sounds.
      By: Vladimir Voronin
      Auditory perception problems can range from difficulty sorting out differences between sounds or misinterpreting the amplification of background noise versus closer sounds.
    • Losing sensitivity to smell is considered a perception problem.
      By: olly
      Losing sensitivity to smell is considered a perception problem.
    • Hearing is affected by auditory processing disorders.
      By: elisabetta figus
      Hearing is affected by auditory processing disorders.
    • Someone who suffers from a visual processing disorder may be unable to identify letters.
      By: sdenness
      Someone who suffers from a visual processing disorder may be unable to identify letters.
    • People may suffer from taste disorders that distort their perception of taste.
      By: llhedgehogll
      People may suffer from taste disorders that distort their perception of taste.