Audiology tests - classroom noise ? Anyone else ?

[Norah]

Hi everyone,

My dd is in reception and I've just been to her parent's evening - her teacher is a bit concerned that she may have a very slight hearing problem - although she said she could equally just be a day-dreamer (she is !). Teacher has asked me to take her to see an audiologist for "classroom noise" testing.

I am fairly certain that she doesn't have a problem - but will get the test done - just wondered if anyone else had had a similar thing ?

Thanks

Don't know about 'classroom noise' testing per se, but my ds has had a few audiology tests for hearing problems. I had no idea that he couldn't hear well..the referral was because of something entirely different, but when he was tested it became obvious that there was a problem. When there is little or no background noise he can hear most speech but when the background noise goes up (like in a classroom) then the amount he can hear decreases.

The test themselves depend on the age of the child, but at reception age I would guess they would put earphones on your dd and ask her to pick up a toy or raise her hand when she hears a beep. It only lasts a couple of minutes. They may also do a tympanogram (to look for fluid in the middle ear) - which is just a little plug that they put into the ear, it makes a funnny squiggly noise for a second and then it's done.

Good luck.

Norah, My ds1 has no hearing problems, is very intelligent but does not "perform" well in school because he is oversensitive to background noise. For example, last year, he had to undergo a maths test in school and performed really badly. His teacher knew that the result didn't seem right and arranged for him to be re-tested on his own. He then scored very highly. He is always daydreaming and sometimes seems unaware of what is going on in the classroom. However a hearing test for him would show up nothing! It was an occupational therapist who diagnosed what the problem was, not an audiologist.

That's interesting chipmonkey - must say i think I am like that myself - I hate being in noisy places - I just can't concentrate properly - I guess I find the noise distracting.

Blubear - thanks for the info - I will make the GP appointment on Monday.

It's weird to think that she could have got to 5 with a hearing problem that I haven't noticed ! She quite often ignores me - but I assumed that was just selective deafness rather than actual deafness of any sort. will have to see what the tests throw up I guess !

thanks everyone,