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What Could Cause A Child To Fail In Hearing Test?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jan 2015

Question: Hi, I have a question about my daughter. She's 9 and faiiled her hearing test at school (all tones, both ears). This seems very strange as we haven't noticed ANY problems hearing, and her teachers confirm that there are no issues at school. We are having her 9 year physical/check up next week, and I have made an appointment for an ENT at the end of this month. I was wondering if maybe if she had a cold or somethign at the time it coudl affect the test? She gets very very very nervous during these types of tests, ever since last year when she failed her vision test and ended up getting glasses (which she now loves!). Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The test is subjective, so false results can happen.

Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to healthcare magic...
I had gone through the question... You don't have to worry as she has no issues of hearing at home and school...as audiometry is purely subjective ..the test results depends on her response .. if she was not explained the test procedure properly or she has not understood how the test sound will be .. then the results will be false...and chances of her having a fluid in ear at the time of test are there...

Give me the following history to rule out the same...
1) Did she have a cold at the time of test
2) Is there any pressure in ear?
3) Does / Did she have ear ache ?
4) Simple wax in ear canal could result in such false results..
According to my opinion nothing to worry...
Kindly answer the above and send me..
Wish her a speedy recovery...
Thank you
Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Paparaja S (1 hour later)

Thank your for your response. She had a slight cold at the time, but nothing serious. No ear ache or pain or pressure. I'm not aware of her having wax before. I am hoping that since nervous and upset before the test, perhaps she was distracted.

Thanks, XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Paparaja S (13 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
the test results are false

Detailed Answer:
hi, thanks for your follow up question...a slight cold without any pressure symptoms is unlikely to be glue ear

Yes due to nervousness she must have not responded correctly..and regarding wax nothing to worry even if it is there you can get it cleaned ..its unlikely that wax has caused this results as she could hear and history wise no problems of hearing..she is normal child

Hope i have answered your question..if you have any further questions am happy to help..wish your family a good health..if you are happy with my answer you can close the discussion and rate my answer...take care..

Dr Paparaja S MBBS MS
Consultant ENT surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad