Audiologist/ tonsils?

Hi, my 4yo has been losing her hearing since July, she's never had ear infections that we know of, going to GP was fruitless as he insisted she just had a cold (she didn't), finally got referred via B4 School check in Sept, now have an audiologist appt on Mon. I suspect it may be an adenoid/tonsil issue as she's always snored & breathes through her mouth? Has anyone else experienced this? What should I expect at the appointment? & we have private health insurance- will that help?

Can''t hel too much but DS 15 months went to an audiologist for a test after a referral to a specialist for grommets. From my exerience private insurance is a bonus if you've got it. We have it and it was just a week's wait to see a specialist then another week to have grommets done which is super fast.

ok I can help you. My dd didn't speak much, threw huge tantrums and we were getting her assessed for autism. although that didn't fit completely either. A last ditched effort to a ENT was our saviour.   Her tonsils were huge all the time along with adenoids. This alone gave her sleep apnea and everyone knows how horrible a tired 2 year old can be so having a tired 2 year old 24/7 for two and a half years was hard. She also had fluid behind her ears. So at 2 and a half she went in for grommets, tonsils and adenoids out. Her behaviour changed overnight within 4 months she was talking like other kids although a bit delayed. She also grew almost overnight. It is amazing how the restful sleep helped her. It saved our marriage and our family as we were so strung out. And it was such a simple fix. We quite often look at her and think what happens to kids that get missed.

So at your audiologist appt ask to be referred to an ENT if they can otherwise go back to your GP and insist on a referral. Say you have insurance and it shouldn't be too much of a problem. Be strong and be your childs advocate. I find we accept stuff too easy in NZ. If your GP doesn't help you then find one that will. The snoring and mouthbreathing should be enough. Our ENT showed us a study of kids that had had the operation and those that didn't who had issues. Once they hit adulthood the children who did have the operation were 4 inches taller on average. Also mouth breathers have more issues with tooth decay as well.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

A family member had enlarged tonsil which affected speech and hearing and it wasn't until they were removed that he could speak and magically his hearing improved!

Ok so we had the audiologist yesterday afternoon, I was really impressed- the tests were all so kid-friendly, dd had a lot of fun! Audiologist was good, did skim things a bit so I asked plenty of questions. Results were her eardrums are working, but there is a blockage in her middle ear- whether tonsils or glue ear they couldn't tell. We go back for a retest in 6-8wks & if it's still no good then she'll be referred to ENT- Dr said there has been some improvement since B4 School check...

Edited by tictacjunkie

Oh & I asked what dd can actually hear, & Dr said she'll be able to hear most things but it'll be muffled, she can't hear anything quiet, & she can't focus on single noises- e.g, when I call to her across the playground she can't single out my voice amongst all the other noise. Most important thing is to make sure I have eye contact with her before I bother saying anything to her- which we sort of realised already (& I find you have to do with most children anyway!).