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Frequently Asked Questions

Why screen for hearing?

1. Temporary hearing loss causes learners to miss crucial instructions in the classroom; 2. Parents may not be aware of a child’s mild hearing loss in every day home situations; 3. Even mild losses may interfere with learning new vocabulary, which is critical for success in reading; 4. Hearing loss is invisible and the child may be blamed for “not paying attention;” 5. Hearing loss may be a sign of ear disease; 6. Children with very mild losses or loss only in one ear may be experiencing school failure.

What does the Hearing screening entail?

Otoscopy- used to examine the outer ear and eardrum for any sign of inflammation, drainage, wax build up or any foreign body in the external ear canal.

Tympanometry- is an objective measure of the mobility of the tympanic membrane. It is very useful to identify children with otitis media with effusion (OME), which has the potential to cause a conductive hearing loss. It is particularly suited to the examination of children because:

  • It does not require the child’s perception of or response to sound;

  • It can be tested in a noisy environment

  • It requires little or no mobilization;

  • It is not traumatic;

  • It can be performed quickly (3-5 seconds) Audiometry- screening takes place in a quiet area using a portable audiometer, with headphones, high and low frequencies are tested. Testing usually takes between 5-10minutes for each child. Note: screening that takes place tests the present status of the middle ear, results can change any time after testing due to cold/flu, infection, hearing loss, etc.

What happens if a preschooler/ learner does not pass the screening?

The learner would be re- screened in 1-3 weeks time depending on the initial results obtained. If the learner passes the screening for the second time there is no need to refer. A fail result will indicate a referral for further testing by an Audiologist and a letter will be sent stating the results of the screening test

Who should be screened ?

In the school setting, children in the foundation phase should be screened as emphasis is on early intervention. In addition, parent, teacher and child referrals, new students, children with known losses, special education classes, and high-risk children should also be included in the screening. Also, behaviours to alert for further investigation:

  • tugging at ear 

  • asks to have things repeated 

  • mistakes in following directions 

  • day dreaming 

  • turns side of head toward speaker  watches teachers' lips 

  • tends to isolate 

  • difficulty with phonics 

  • talks too loudly or softly

My child is not yet 3 and I would like him/her to be screened?

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) is new technology available to identify possible hearing loss in very young children as young as a day old! The OAE system uses a probe inserted into the ear canal to detect middle ear pathology and cochlear hearing loss. This testing does not require a response from the child so it can be used on very young children A “pass” indicates normal hearing and normal cochlear (the inner ear, this is the organ that does the hearing) function. A “refer” indicates a possible hearing loss greater than 30 dB or an outer or middle ear disorder, e.g., otitis media . This new type of equipment accomplishes both screening for hearing loss and otitis media in one test. A refer result is usually indicates there is a need to do further testing in a sound proof environment or advanced testing if required

What happens when I come for my hearing test?

A consultation will take place to determine your primary concern. Here
you have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have on
your hearing health.
Otoscopy will then follow after the consult, thereafter, the diagnostic
hearing test will be administered, where you will be directed into a
sound proof room. Special headphones will be placed on your ears
and you will be instructed to listen to high and low frequency tones.
This test usually lasts between 20- 30 minutes. Depending on your
results, further testing maybe needed such as :

  • Immittance Audiometry

  • Speech Audiometry

  • Objective testing – Oto Acoustic emissions

I have my hearing test results, now what? Will I need hearing aids?

Depending on what tests were administered, your Audiologist will
guide you going forward. Further testing or a consult with an Ear Nose
and Throat Specialist may be needed.
If results show a hearing loss, don’t despair! With available resources
and digital technology, hearing aids provide you with the confidence
and comfort to get back your hearing. You will be able to ‘customise’
the hearing aid on how you want it! Your Audiologist will be there to
attend to your needs and guide you in making the right choice.
Hearing aid trials are available to assist in selecting the right style and
type of hearing aid.

Most medical aids are accepted, however, not all medical aids cover for
hearing aid benefit.

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