The Challenges of Testing Toddlers
What are some common challenges when testing toddlers?
Children, toddler and babies don’t always do what we grownups want them to! They can act up, be shy, throw temper tantrums or be afraid when coming to an appointment! Although it doesn’t happen all the time, in some instances, children can become unsettled, and the testing cannot be completed in one appointment. When this happens, families are offered another appointment to complete testing.
Our Audiologists are experienced in being patient and gentle with all children. In almost all cases children just need a bit of time to get used to new environments. Our job is to make it as easy as possible to get the results we are after. And to ensure that your child has a positive experience whilst attending our clinic.
When or why, this might happen?
Some of the tests require the Audiologist to look in your child’s ear with a light or place a small probe in their ear. These tests are quick and gentle but require your child to be still and quiet. Some children become don’t like to be touched, or may have had a scary experience that makes them fearful. This can make it difficult to get a reliable result.
Some tests require your child to respond when tested. If your child is over-tired, it can be challenging to engage them in testing.
Strategies to overcome these challenges
If your child’s ears are sensitive to touch, try to “de-sensitize” their ears prior to the appointment. This could be by gentling touching their ears or by placing headphones on older children (age +3 years)
Avoid booking an appointment during nap time as we are all a little grumpy when we don’t get a nap!
Bring their favorite toy or book as we may use this as a distraction
Other challenges: Review appointments
In some cases, toddlers may require more than one appointment to review their hearing and ear health. We understand attending multiple appointments can be challenging when trying to fit them into a busy life. However, it is important you bring your child to their review appointments to ensure that you have all the information you need to appropriate manage your child’s ear issues. This will ensure they don’t fall behind in terms of speech and language development.
