A number of different evaluation and screening tools are used during the evaluation process when deciding if a client is a good candidate for AIT. Two of the most common are the Fisher’s Auditory Checklist, which may be used as a means of comparison (before and after), and a comprehensive hearing test can be done (testing octave and inter-octave frequency threshold levels and uncomfortable loudness levels). When done accurately, you can see changes on the audiograms.
Fisher’s Auditory Checklist for Parents
This checklist is designed to help parents or teachers assess whether a child might be having problems with his or her auditory system (hearing, auditory processing or auditory integration).
Note any item in the following list that describes the child’s behavior or history. If you answer “yes” to several items, consider scheduling an Auditory Assessment for the child.
- Has a history of hearing loss.
- Does not learn well through use of the auditory channel.
- Has a history of ear infection(s).
- Cannot always relate what is heard to what is seen.
- Frequently misunderstands what is said.
- Forgets what is said in a few minutes.
- Daydreams — attention drifts — not with it at times.
- Experiences problems with sound discrimination.
- Notices sounds before others do.
- Constant humming or audible self-talk.
- Does not comprehend many words, not grasping verbal concepts appropriate for age/grade level.
- Is considered to have autism, dyslexia, pervasive developmental disorder, Central Auditory Processing Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Does not pay attention (listen) to instruction 50% or more of the time.
- Demonstrates below average performance in one or more academic area(s).
- Has difficulty following verbal directions — often necessary to repeat instructions.
- Cannot attend to auditory stimuli for more than a few seconds.
- Says “Huh?” and “What?” at least five or more times per day.
- Has a short attention span.
- Easily distracted by background noise.
- Has “startle” response to sudden sound or movement.
- Gives unusual descriptions of sounds, auditory stimulation or sensation.
- Needs frequent “quiet time” to regain mental energy and composure.
- Has a language problem (morphology, syntax, vocabulary, phonology).
- Has an articulation (phonology) problem.
As mentioned above, the hearing test is an important part of the initial evaluation to determine a client’s candidacy for the program. Audiologists are typically trained to look for deafness or hearing loss and that’s all, so when they say “the hearing is fine or normal” what they mean is there is no deafness or hearing loss. They are not focusing on the other issues that Dr. Berard identified as problematic such as: hypersensitivity, distortion, lack of coordination in right and left ears, delays, etc.
A letter outlining the recommendations for testing will be sent to the parent/client to take with them to the audiologist outlining the testing that is needed. We are always happy to speak with the audiologist to explain the reasons for the extra testing if they would like to understand more about auditory integration training.
If you would like to have a copy of the letter that outlines the recommendations for the hearing test sent to you, or if you have any questions about either of these tests and measures, please complete the “Contact Us” form and we can arrange for you to speak directly with our AIT practitioner, Sarah Gewanter.
