Hearing Aids for Children: Challenges and Solutions
Paediatric hearing loss is a critical concern that will affect a child’s development, communication, and quality of life. Early detection and proper management make sense
Hearing Test Adelaide
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What Makes Our Hearing Test Special
- We are INDEPENDENT which means we can provide you with an unbiased diagnosis
- We do not have commission-based sales as part of our structure
- We will provide you with alternate rehabilitation strategies for hearing loss management
- We do hearing tests on infants from 6 months of age upwards in a SOUND PROOF BOOTH
- We specialise in testing children with complex needs
South Australia Speech and Hearing Centre (SASHC) is an independent service provider that is owned and run by a dual qualified speech pathologist and audiologist. SASHC audiologists offer expert diagnostic hearing assessments and support, utilising state of the art and evidence based equipment, technology and intervention.
We offer the following services with our Hearing Test:
- Full diagnostic hearing assessments (children from 6 months of age) to adulthood
- Comprehensive reporting on the results of the hearing assessments
- Appropriate referrals to support professionals regarding hearing assessment results
- Full diagnostic Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) assessments
- Hearing aid and aural rehabilitation for adults of all ages
- External hearing screens for schools, kindergartens, childcare centres and others to ensure children’s hearing and ear health are optimal.
How can SASHC help?
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FAQs
What are the causes of hearing loss?
1 in 6 Australians suffer from some degree of hearing loss, and of these, some may be sensorineural, conductive of mixed (a combination of both sensorineural and conductive).
Sensorineral hearing losses are permanent in nature. Some of causes of a sensorineural hearing loss may be:
- Prematurity
- Family history of hearing loss
- Complications at birth
- Frequent ear infections
- Infections such as meningitis or cytomegalovirus
- Chronic noise exposure
- Age related deterioration
A conductive hearing loss is caused by sound not being able to ‘conduct’ through the middle ear.
- A variety of factors can lead to a conductive hearing loss including:
- Middle ear fluid build-up (glue ear)
- Wax blocking the outer ear
- Ear infection
- Stiffening of the middle ear bones
- Exostoses (swimmer’s ears)
What are the common signs of a possible hearing loss?
- Appears to ignore or is less responsive to sound
- Irritability or behavioural problems
- Delayed speech and language development in children
- Clumsiness and/or balance problems
- Tiredness
- Concentration/learning difficulties at school
- Poor attention and/or daydreaming
- Loud talking and/or shouting
- Finding loud sounds bothersome
- Turns TV/stereo volume up
- Watches people’s faces intently and asks for words to be repeated
- Constant ringing (tinnitus) in the ear
Do I need a Hearing Test? Do I have a hearing loss?
1 in 6 Australians are affected by hearing loss. If you answer yes to 2 or more of the following questions you may have a hearing loss and we will be able to help you.
Do you have difficulty hearing in restaurants or group settings?
Do you often have to ask people to repeat what they have said?
Do you prefer the TV/Radio louder than others?
Do you have difficulty understanding someone if they are not directly in front of you?
Do you feel that people mumble or do not speak clearly?
Do you have a ringing or buzzing sound in your ears?
How can a hearing test from SASHC help?
SASHC clinicians have significant experience in both testing and working with both adults and children. All assessments for children are targeted to your child’s developmental age and delivered at your child’s level of understanding. We pride ourselves in our ability to obtain hearing test results for complex children. We understand the impact of a possible hearing loss on your child as a whole and on you as a parent. We will explain hearing assessments to you in an easy to understand manner to ensure understanding. Recommendations will be made regarding a hearing assessment for yourself/your child while in the clinic and letters/reports will be sent out on the day of the assessment.
What Does a Hearing Test Check?
A hearing test is performed to determine a person’s ability to hear different types of sounds, pitches, and frequencies. It may also determine whether a person is suffering from any kind of hearing loss, its degree and type, whether sensorineural, conductive, or mixed. The test further considers the way a person comprehends speech and whether he has any problems along his/her auditory pathways.
What Are the Signs That Indicate I Need a Hearing Test?
If you frequently ask people to repeat themselves, have difficulty hearing in noisy environments, or need to turn up the volume on your TV or radio, it might be time for an assessment. Other indicators include ringing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty understanding conversations, and feeling that people are mumbling.
What Types of Hearing Tests Are There?
There are many types of hearing tests. Pure-tone testing determines the faintest tone a person can hear at selected pitches. Speech testing is done to find out how well you hear and understand speech. Testing by tympanometry is done to test the function of the middle ear. Otoacoustic emissions testing is done to check the inner ear responses. Each test will then give specific information about your hearing health.
Do I Need a Referral to Get a Hearing Test?
You do not need a referral to secure an appointment for a hearing test at SASHC. You only need to make a direct appointment with our audiologists. Such accessibility ensures that you receive immediate attention for your hearing concerns without extra steps. However, should you get a referral from a General Practitioner (GP), you may be entitled to Medicare rebates.
How Do I Prepare for a Hearing Test?
Preparing for the hearing test is relatively easy. Bring along any hearing aid or assistive device currently in use. It will also greatly help if you take notes regarding your symptoms and difficulties hearing clearly to discuss with your audiologist.
What Can I Expect During a Hearing Test?
During a hearing test at SASHC, you’ll be seated in a soundproof booth. The testing will involve pure-tone, tympanometry, otoacoustic emissions and speech tests. You will be made to wear headphones and then raise your hand or press the button in response to a sound. The audiologist will check your ear with an otoscope and a soft probe will be placed in the ear for a quick measure of the middle ear and outer hair cells. There is no pain involved whatsoever, and the test will take no more than 30 minutes to an hour.
What Happens After a Hearing Test?
After the test, the audiologist will explain all the details about your results. If you have hearing loss, they will tell you the type and degree of your loss, as well as advise you on the proper interventions options. You’ll receive a comprehensive report e-mailed to you on the day of the assessment and any necessary referrals will be provided.
How Often Should I Test My Hearing?
Regular hearing tests are essential, especially if you are over 50 or have been exposed to loud noises. Adults should get tested every few years, though those with existing concerns should check their hearing more often. The child should have a hearing test if recommended by a doctor or if there is any suspicion of the child having some hearing problems. Children should have their hearing tested prior to starting kindergarten or school as having good hearing will ensure a good foundation to their learning.
Why Get Your Hearing Test at SASHC?
Have your hearing tested at SASHC and experience a high-quality, in-depth assessment by experienced audiologists. We are specialists at performing comprehensive testing for all complex needs, and our state-of-the-art equipment is updated with the industry in the best soundproof environment available. As an independent-status facility, we provide unbiased diagnoses and specialist care for your specific hearing requirements.
