Normal hearing and auditory processing abilities enable children to engage with the world around them. They also help children develop their language, communication, social skills, and educational achievement.
If you have any doubt at all about your baby or child’s hearing, have them tested by an experienced audiologist. At DWM Audiology, we offer hearing assessments for all children aged from 9 months.
A hearing screening test is now included in the routine assessments babies have in the first few days of life. These tests are designed to detect a permanent hearing loss in a child. A pass in these test results at birth indicates that the child has sufficient hearing for normal speech and language development.
Babies and children are highly susceptible to temporary or fluctuating hearing loss. A hearing loss during this time may have a significant impact on a child’s developing language and social skills. The skills established in preschool years are the foundation for future learning at school.
Your baby is startled or widens their eyes at sudden noises nearby or is woken or stirred from sleep by noise
Your baby is looking towards the direction of sound and they may quieten while listening
Your baby is starting to turn their head towards known voices or sounds and is starting to babble
Your toddler knows the names of their favourite toys and is beginning to imitate simple words and sounds
Your toddler has a small vocabulary of single words and is can understand simple directions such as ‘Give mummy the ball’
Your child has clear speech with a good vocabulary
There are some common causes of temporary hearing loss in children, including:
Hearing difficulties in school age children are known to have a significant impact on their social, behavioural and academic growth.
Indications of hearing problems in older children include the child:
As well as diagnostic hearing assessments for children, DWM Audiology provides:
Central Auditory Processing describes the skills used by the brain to extract meaningful information from sound. Efficient processing of auditory information is important for children to be successful in learning and communication.
A Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) can lead to difficulties with educational achievement, social development and educational well-being.
CAPD Testing is suitable for adults and children from age 7. Before age 7, there is too wide a range of auditory processing abilities to make reliable comparisons.
Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity or intolerance. Children with hyperacusis experience a heightened sense of volume and physical discomfort towards certain sounds, which other children can tolerate. Hyperacusis can develop in children with high anxiety levels, neurological disorders and auditory pathway problems.
Misophonia is a strongly aversive response to certain sound triggers, including eating, breathing, noises, etc. These responses can develop in children or during teenage years.
DWM Audiology offers hearing assessments for children aged 9 months+. Our trusted clinic offers extensive experience in hearing assessment, CAPD assessment and misophonia/hyperacusis evaluation and therapy.
Book an appointment with our expert audiologists today to discuss any hearing concerns you may have for your child. Give us a call or complete the form below.
If you have any doubt at all about your baby or child’s hearing, have them tested.
Babies and children are highly susceptible to temporary or fluctuating hearing loss, associated with middle ear fluid or middle ear infections. This can have a significant effect on the development of their language and communication skills.
Delayed or absent speech development is the most important clue indicating a possible hearing loss in a very young child.
Other signs:
Common causes of temporary hearing loss in children include:
A newborn hearing screening program will detect a permanent congenital hearing loss.
Some genetic hearing losses can develop progressively after birth. Conditions that may cause permanent acquired hearing loss in children include ototoxic medications, encephalitis, mumps, measles, meningitis, large vestibular aqueduct, head injury, sudden onset hearing loss and noise exposure.
We offer hearing assessments for all children aged from 9 months.
Sometimes babies fail their hearing test because of temporary causes such as blockages or fluid in the ear, which can be treated.
Hearing loss is measured by degrees: mild, moderate, severe or profound. Because there are so many different kinds of hearing loss, and so many causes for hearing loss, the appropriate treatments and interventions for your child will depend on the circumstances. We can provide expert advice with regards to appropriate intervention.
A reduced capacity to communicate has a significant impact on relationships, career opportunities, social connection, independent living and quality of life.
Read MoreWe carry out a range of hearing tests that help determine whether you need a hearing aid.
Read MoreHearing aids are available in three styles; BTE, RIC or are fully contained in the ear.
Read MoreWith new hearing aids your concept of “normal” hearing will need to be relearnt.
Read MoreWe have extensive training, experience and expertise in fine-tuning contemporary hearing aids to individual communication needs.
Read MoreYour fitting package will include an instruction booklet and the accessories needed for maintenance and dehumidification
Read MoreTo minimise the need for repairs and to preserve the life of your hearing aids, regular and thorough maintenance is essential.
Read MoreBoth conditions have the potential to escalate, so that an increasing range of sounds become intolerable.
Read MoreMisophonia is a strongly aversive response or abnormal sensitivity to certain specific sounds
Read MoreTinnitus is the term used to describe hearing any sounds which are not present externally.
Read MoreAcoustic shock is an involuntary fright/psychological trauma reaction to sudden, loud noises.
Read MoreA Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD, sometimes called APD) occurs when this process is impaired.
Read More