Preparing Your Child for a Hearing Test at Clearly Hearing

Regular hearing tests are essential for children to ensure optimal development and address any potential hearing concerns early on. Clearly Hearing is dedicated to providing comprehensive hearing evaluations for children of all ages. However, we understand that a hearing test can be an unfamiliar and potentially intimidating

experience for young ones. To help make the appointment go smoothly, we’ve compiled age-specific tips and information to prepare your child for their hearing test at Clearly Hearing.

Age Group: 16 months to 2 years

At this age, children may find new environments and experiences overwhelming. To help your child feel comfortable during their hearing test, consider the following tips:

a. Familiarize them with sounds: Introduce your child to various sounds in their environment, such as ringing bells, animal noises, or musical toys. This exposure will help them understand the concept of hearing and make the test less intimidating.

b. Play “listening games”: Engage your child in simple games that involve listening, such as identifying familiar sounds or clapping when they hear a specific sound. This will create a positive association with listening and encourage active participation during the test.

c. Talk about the appointment: In simple and reassuring terms, explain to your child what will happen during the hearing test. Emphasize that it is painless and that they will have someone friendly assisting them throughout.

 

Age Group: 3-4 years old

Children in this age group are more aware of their surroundings and can follow simple instructions. Consider the following tips to prepare them for their hearing test:

a. Storytelling: Create a story or use picture books to explain what a hearing test is and what they can expect during their visit to Clearly Hearing. Make it engaging and interactive, involving their favorite characters or toys to capture their interest.

b. Practice with headphones: Introduce your child to headphones or earbuds at home to make them familiar with the sensation of wearing them. Play their favorite songs or audio stories through the headphones to make it a positive experience.

c. Role-play: Play pretend with your child, taking turns being the patient and the hearing specialist. Use toys or stuffed animals to mimic the testing process, making it a fun and interactive activity that eases any fears they may have.

 

Age Group: 5-16 years old

Older children are generally more capable of understanding the importance of a hearing test. Here are some tips to help them prepare:

a. Explain the significance: Discuss the reasons why hearing tests are important and how they contribute to their overall well-being. Explain that it is a routine check-up to ensure their hearing is healthy and optimal.

b. Discuss the process: Provide a brief overview of what will happen during the appointment. Explain that they will wear headphones and listen to different sounds while a professional assesses their hearing. Reassure them that it is painless and will only take a short amount of time.

c. Encourage questions: Encourage your child to ask any questions or express any concerns they might have about the hearing test. Providing them with accurate information and addressing their queries will alleviate their anxiety and build trust.

 

At Clearly Hearing, the hearing test process is designed to be child-friendly and non-invasive. Here’s what you can expect during your child’s appointment:

 

1. Age Group: 16 months to 2 years The audiologist will ask you to put your child in a small chair or sit them on your knee. They will sit in front of you and distract your child with a few simple toys. It’s important for you to sit back and relax, avoiding giving any clues to your child. A sound will be played through a speaker on one side. When your child turns towards the sound, they will be rewarded with a visual clue, such as an animated animal appearing on a flat screen.
2. Age Group: 3-4 years old Similar to the previous age group, your child will be asked to sit in a small chair or on your knee. The audiologist will sit in front of you with toys, such as a ‘man in the boat’ or some pegs and a board. Again, it’s important for you to remain relaxed and avoid giving any cues to your child. Sounds will be played through a speaker on one side, and your child will be conditioned to respond by placing the peg on the board or the man in the boat when they hear the sound. They will be rewarded with smiles and praise.
3. Age Group: 5-16 years old For older children, the process is similar to the previous age groups. The sounds will be played through a speaker or headphones. Your child will be conditioned to respond by pushing a button when they hear the sound. This allows the audiologist to obtain information about your child’s hearing in each ear separately.

 

After initial testing with headphones, the audiologist may use a bone conductor, which is placed behind the ear. This device sends sounds directly to the inner ear through the bones of the head, bypassing the eardrum and middle ear. This type of testing is called bone conduction testing.

The entire appointment can take around 30 to 45 minutes, with play audiometry lasting up to 20 minutes, depending on your child’s concentration. Rest assured, the hearing test is painless, does not have any side effects, and is not uncomfortable.

After the Testing: Based on the test results, there are two possible outcomes:

 

1. Satisfactory Hearing: If the test shows that your child has satisfactory hearing, you will be discharged from the Audiology Clinic. A letter will be provided to you and the referring health professional, explaining the test results. Should you have concerns about your child’s hearing in the future, you can always request another referral from your GP.
2. Reduced Hearing: If the test shows that your child’s hearing is reduced, a repeat test may be scheduled for a later date. If ongoing problems are identified due to middle ear congestion, a referral to an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) Consultant may be discussed. For other non-middle ear congestion hearing issues, a future management plan and further testing, if necessary, will be discussed.

 

 

Before your child’s hearing test appointment, there are a few things you can do to help ensure a smooth experience:

 

1. Appointment Timing: Choose a time when your child is usually well-rested and calm. Avoid scheduling the appointment during naptime or when your child is hungry or tired, as it may affect their cooperation during the test.
2. Explain the Visit: Talk to your child in age-appropriate terms about the upcoming appointment. Describe what will happen during the test, emphasizing that it is painless and will help check their hearing. Provide reassurance and answer any questions they may have.
3. Familiarize with Sounds: Introduce your child to different sounds and noises in their environment. This exposure can help them become more comfortable with the testing process and the concept of listening.

 

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing: For OAE testing, it is important for your child to be quiet or asleep to obtain accurate results. Here’s what you need to know:

 

1. Infants: If your child is an infant, try to schedule the appointment when they are likely to be naturally calm or sleepy. This may include after feeding or during their usual naptime.
2. Toddlers and Older Children: If your child is older and more active, engage them in calming activities before the test, such as reading a quiet book or playing quietly. Consider bringing along their favorite comfort item, such as a stuffed toy or blanket, to help them feel secure during the testing process.

 

Preparing Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder or Complex Needs: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or other complex needs may require additional preparation and support. Here are some tips:

 

1. Visual Supports: Use visual supports, such as social stories or visual schedules, to explain the appointment step-by-step. These visual aids can help children with ASD understand and anticipate what will happen during the test.
2. Sensory Considerations: If your child is sensitive to specific sensory stimuli, communicate their needs to the audiologist in advance. They may be able to make adjustments, such as providing headphones with softer volume or dimming the lights in the testing room.
3. Familiarization: Visit the clinic beforehand, if possible, to familiarize your child with the environment. This can help reduce anxiety and make the actual appointment less overwhelming.
4. Reinforcement Strategies: Discuss with the audiologist any reinforcement strategies that work well for your child, such as providing preferred rewards or incorporating sensory breaks during the testing process. Collaboration between you, the audiologist, and any therapists involved can ensure a tailored approach for your child’s needs.

 

Remember, the professionals at Clearly Hearing are experienced in working with children with diverse needs, including those on the autism spectrum or with other complex requirements. They will strive to create a supportive and accommodating environment to ensure a successful hearing test.

Conclusion: Preparing your child for a hearing test at Clearly Hearing is crucial to ensure a smooth and positive experience. By considering their age-specific needs and employing the tips mentioned above, you can help your child feel more at ease and confident during their appointment. Remember to stay positive, address their concerns, and emphasize the importance of maintaining good hearing health. With your support, their hearing test experience will be a positive step toward ensuring their overall well-being.