Before testing is conducted, the audiologist will discuss your concerns and check any relevant medical or developmental history.
The next step is to look in the child’s ears, similar to the way a GP would. This is called an otoscopic examination and allows the audiologist to look for signs of infection or other abnormalities.
The audiologist may also perform an ear drum test. This quick and gentle test involves placing a probe in the ear canal to check for evidence of ear infections or other abnormalities with or behind the ear drum. This test is called tympanometry.
It’s also important to get an indication of the level of sound the child can hear. The way this is tested is dependent on the age and developmental age of the child.
At the time of testing, your audiologist will explain each test being undertaken and what results to expect.
Once your child has been tested, the audiologist will advise you on your child’s hearing levels and make any recommendations. This might include a referral to a speech pathologist or other health professionals if required. We can also forward a report of the assessment to your child’s doctor and provide guidance on what to do next.