Audiology for ADHD: What Parents Need to Know
If your child has ADHD and still seems to “tune out” even when you’re speaking face-to-face, the problem may not be attention alone. Difficulties with hearing or the way the brain processes sound can look almost identical to classic ADHD symptoms. Audiology for ADHD is the first step toward uncovering these hidden issues so your child can listen, learn, and feel confident again.
Why Hearing & ADHD Often Overlap
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects how the brain filters and prioritises incoming information. When a child also has:
- Undiagnosed hearing loss
- Auditory processing disorder (APD)
- Recurrent ear infections or middle-ear fluid …the two conditions amplify each other. A child may miss instructions, day-dream, or act out simply because the message never reached their brain clearly.
Quick Snapshot: Shared Red Flags
| Looks Like ADHD | Could Be Hearing/APD |
|---|---|
| Doesn’t follow directions | Never heard them clearly |
| Talks loudly or “shouts” | Unsure of own volume |
| Says “what?” repeatedly | Words sound muffled |
| Easily distracted by background noise | Brain struggles to filter sound |
How Audiologists Help Children with ADHD
At Cadabams CDC, our paediatric audiologists use child-friendly tools to separate attention issues from genuine hearing hurdles. The process is short, play-based, and tailored to kids who find it hard to sit still.
Step 1: First Appointment—What to Expect
- Warm-up games to build trust
- Visual reinforcement audiometry for toddlers
- Play-conditioned tests for preschoolers
- Pure-tone and speech testing for older kids
Step 2: Specialised Tests for ADHD Concerns
- Central Auditory Processing Evaluation Checks how well the brain deciphers rapid speech, competing voices, or subtle pitch changes.
- Tympanometry & Acoustic Reflexes Rules out fluid, infections, or eardrum problems that skew attention.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Confirms inner-ear (cochlear) health in minutes—ideal for fidgety children.
Hearing Aids & Listening Therapy for ADHD
If testing reveals hearing loss or APD, early support can cut homework battles and classroom stress in half.
Modern Hearing Technology
- Child-safe behind-the-ear aids—tamper-proof battery doors, fun colour choices
- Remote-microphone systems (RM-HAT)—teacher’s voice streams directly to tiny ear-level receivers, slashing background noise
- FM / DM systems—compatible with tablets and smart boards for virtual learning
Auditory Training Programmes
- Fast ForWord computer games—builds phoneme discrimination and working memory
- LACE (Listening and Communication Enhancement)—short daily sessions at home
- Interactive metronome—pairs sound with movement to sharpen timing networks
Simple Home Strategies That Work Tonight
Parents can create an “auditory-friendly” home without expensive gear.
- Lower the noise floor: Turn off TVs, dishwashers, or radios when talking.
- Light-touch reminders: A gentle tap on the shoulder before giving instructions secures attention.
- Visual back-ups: Write chores on a whiteboard or use picture cards.
- 30-second rule: Pause 30 seconds after asking a question—processing speed can be slower in ADHD plus hearing issues.
- Routine ear checks: Schedule quick GP visits at the first sign of colds to prevent fluid build-up.