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If the hearing screening fails

When a child does not meet the success criteria for the hearing test carried out in an ECC or at school, two scenarios generally arise: the child is referred to a doctor (ENT or general practitioner) or, in doubt, a second audiological evaluation is suggested.

Because we, like you, have your child's health at heart, here are some answers to the questions potentially arising from this situation.

If the results suggest...

  • Inadequate tympanic mobility, compatible with the presence of retro-tympanic fluid

    When the mobility of the eardrum is inadequate, hearing loss may occur, usually temporarily.

    Thanks to the vibration of the eardrum, the sounds are transmitted to three small bones located in the cavity of the middle ear. These ossicles then carry the sounds to the inner ear, where they are processed: this is what allows us to hear.

    While affected by otitis, the cavity of the middle ear is filled with fluid. The eardrum therefore cannot vibrate adequately, and mild hearing loss may ensue.

    For more information on ear infections, see the section on this subject further down the page.

  • Inadequate tympanic mobility, consistent with the presence of tubal dysfunction (tympanic feedback)

    The middle ear cavity is connected to the nose and throat by a tube called the Eustachian tube. This tube makes it possible in particular to equalize the pressure on each side of the eardrum. This balance is necessary for the optimal functioning of the ears.

    In the presence of a cold or allergies, nasal congestion and inflammation of the nose and throat shorten the opening of the Eustachian tube. The pressure behind the eardrum can thus become lower than that in front: the eardrum is then pulled towards the interior of the cavity of the middle ear.

    This is called tubal dysfunction. If tubal dysfunction lasts too long, fluid may appear: this is otitis.

    For more information on ear infections, visit the section on this subject further down the page.

  • Inadequate tympanic mobility, compatible with the presence of occlusive / quasi-occlusive earwax

    The external auditory canal naturally produces ear wax (cerumen). Some people produce more than others, which is completely normal.

    However, a significant accumulation of earwax in the ear canal can cause temporary hearing loss: by getting too close to the eardrum, the wax affects its vibration, and therefore hearing. If the duct is completely blocked, then we speak of a wax plug.

    This problem can lead to a variable degree of hearing loss. Temporary, it is resolved by cleaning the ears.

  • Hypoacusis, probably “conductive”

    When a child does not meet the success criteria for a hearing screening, hypoacusis, more commonly known as hearing loss, is necessarily measured.

    In a screening context, this is often “conductive”, that is to say, it is due to a problem related to the mechanics of the ear. This is the case, in particular, when the passage of sound to the inner ear is hindered by the presence of:

    • Fluid (otitis);
    • Abnormally negative pressure (tubal dysfunction);
    • Cerumen (wax or wax plug).

    Conductive hearing loss usually resolves with simple interventions. The audiologist can explain which ones apply to your child's case.

  • A second audiology assessment

    Answers obtained from the hearing test can sometimes be invalid. A lack of collaboration on the part of the child, or a misunderstanding of the task may be the cause.

    At the parents' option, a complete evaluation can then be carried out at the Clinique Audio Logique or in a hospital setting.

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