World Autism Month is celebrated every April. It is an annual chance for people all over the world to recognize and discuss autism. In recent years, the number of people with autism has risen and is now considered an epidemic.
We at SoundLife Hearing recognize the contributions made to our country and the world by individuals on the autism spectrum and the community. We also acknowledge the importance of empowering individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through support, understanding, acceptance, and inclusion. Let’s collaborate to build an accepting society where persons with autism can achieve their full potential.
How is Hearing Loss related to Autism?
Autism has a unique impact on each child, it’s crucial to understand how the disorder may influence a child’s capacity to hear and process sounds. Autism can have a variety of effects on hearing. A child could occasionally not have any hearing loss. Alternatively, a child may have a hearing loss that can be treated with hearing aids, whether it be mild, moderate, or even severe.
How can you determine whether your child has more than just hearing loss?
- Delayed or lacking spoken language
- Repetition in speech and/or movement patterns (such as hand flapping or twirling objects)
- Lack of interest in connections with other people
- Not making eye contact
- Absence of spontaneous or role-playing
- Persistent fixation on parts of objects
Due to how autism affects how your child interprets sound and noise, they may have trouble learning and communicating. An audiologist can offer strategies for them to cope. These strategies may include:
- Hearing aids or other amplification devices
- Use of assistive listening devices
- Auditory and speech training
- Computer-based tools
- Training with a speech therapist
Autism affects each child differently, and the medical community is still looking for ways to understand this disorder. If you suspect your child’s hearing is affected by their autism spectrum diagnosis, we at SoundLife Hearing are here to help. Our specialists can provide options and treatments for the best outcome.
Importance of Hearing Tests for Children with Autism
Autism is linked to different types of developmental delays and co-existing medical disorders. It has been associated with a number of conditions, including delays in speech and language development and hearing impairments such as sensory loss, hypersensitivity to sound, and otitis media. One of the tests a doctor might prescribe is a hearing evaluation to ensure that the autism disorder itself or a co-occurring medical condition is the cause for the speech and language delay rather than a hearing issue like deafness. Assessing and diagnosing hearing loss in a child involves two steps — a complete hearing test and hearing screening.
Hearing Screening
It is typically advised to conduct a hearing loss screening before a newborn turns one-month-old. The test often takes place while the infant is napping and is finished in a short amount of time. At Soundlife, here are the tests that can be used in screening for hearing loss:
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Otoacoustic Emission Test (OAE)
This test evaluates the response that the cochlea or inner ear produces. It is carried out by inserting a tiny microphone and speaker inside of a probe into the child’s ear. After then, sounds are played through the probe. As another distinct sound travels back to the ear canal, the cochlea analyses the original sound and transmits it to the brainstem. Otoacoustic emission is the name given to the sound that enters the ear canal from behind. Then, the audiologist can identify the kind of sound that caused the emission.
Complete Hearing Test
The doctor or the child’s pediatrician will recommend an audiologist for a complete hearing test or audiology evaluation if the child fails a hearing screening. Audiologists will perform more thorough ABRs, OETs, and a Behavioral Audiometry Evaluation, which examines every component of the ears for any issues with how it performs on its own. A complete hearing test includes the following procedures for older children and adults:
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Pure-tone Air Conduction Hearing Test
With the aid of headphones or speakers, this test determines the quietest tones a child is capable of hearing from low to high frequencies. When the child hears the sound, the audiologist will instruct him or her to respond by raising their hand, clicking a button, or saying “yes.” An audiogram is then created using the findings.
The hearing test is made easier for children with autism using methods like Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) and Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA).
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Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
The test involves having the child glance in the direction of the sound. When the child responds correctly to the test, they are rewarded. Visual reinforcements like watching toy trains run along a track are frequently used as rewards. Typically, children between 6 months and 3 years are used for this.
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Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA)
For this test, the child is given a task to do each time a sound is heard. Tasks could include stacking rings on a pole or putting a block in a container. This is advised for kids between the ages of 3 and 6.
Audiologist plays an important role in identifying hearing loss in children with autism. That is why in celebration of World Autism Month, SoundLife Hearing takes part in spreading awareness of the needs of those with autism and their families in our community. Together let’s enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions tomorrow!
