How do I get 3yo's hearing checked - just take to GP?

[sethstarkaddersmum]

He is insisting on having tv very loud and getting upset when it is turned down, often doesn't hear us (and the 'would you like a sweet?' versus 'Time to tidy up' test suggests it's not just normal selective hearing.

do I just take him to the GP? Can they do checks or do they have to refer him? Or is it something a HV can do?

[RunningOutOfIdeas]

Personally I would have to go to my GP, since I haven't seen or heard from a HV since DD was 3 months (she is now 2.7). The GP can probably do some simple tests and then refer to the right specialist.

Has he had any ear infections? It could be something fairly common like glue ear - well worth getting treated early.

[bornorg]

Definitely see the GP. Same situation - the HV was useless in our area. The GP can refer you to an audilogist for a hearing test. If needed.

[sethstarkaddersmum]

I think he had an ear infection a year or two back, he definitely did as a baby.

His speech has always been indistinct compared with dd who was always spot-on clear from the moment she started talking. I always assumed this was just a normal difference between children but perhaps it is a sign of something else.

thanks all, I will see GP. (Our GPs have so far been beyond fantastic with our children, anyhow.)

[Goingspare]

Yes, go to GP for discussion/referral. I talked to the GP about my DD when her Reception teacher said that she was concerned that DD had a hearing problem because DD wasn't always responding to her. I told GP that I was pretty sure that DD was hearing the teacher, but blanking her as she was a little scared of her, and he said he was happy to trust my judgement on whether she needed testing or not.

[Goingspare]

(Not my judgement personally; parents generally.)

[DanceInTheDark]

Yep GP. We have had many appointments at the childrens hospital for DS2s hearing. In the meantime, you could do what i have called "The chocolate test". We used to insert the word chocolate into a sentence to see if we could get a reaction - that way we would know if he was just ignoring us

[Goingspare]

Yes DITD; my DD's never failed that one.

[bornorg]

ha funny we still do that test as my son is mad on chocolate...

[sethstarkaddersmum]

yes, he fails the chocolate test. DH (who is sometimes incredibly clueless) said 'Would you like an ice cream?' when we hadn't got any ice cream but fortunately (?) he didn't hear it.

How interesting Goingspare, about your dd blanking the teacher because of being scared.

[DanceInTheDark]

Then the GP is the next step Sethstark.

Good luck :)

At the test the children sit with headphones on and the audiologist plays sounds of different pitch and volume thru them. When the child hears the sound/s, they place a peg in a hole. They will ALWAYS place a peg in a hole but the audiologist will adjust the sound/pitch until your child can hear it.

[Goingspare]

Yes, good luck sethstarkaddersmum.

(DD and the Reception teacher got the hang of each other in time, and got on quite well, though DD still occasionally freezes if she feels put on the spot.)

[sethstarkaddersmum]

thanks.