Audiology for Developmental Coordination Disorder | Cadabams CDC
When most parents hear “developmental coordination disorder (DCD)”, they picture clumsy hands or wobbly steps—not ears. Yet, audiology for developmental coordination disorder is emerging as a game-changer. At Cadabams CDC, we combine cutting-edge hearing science with child-friendly therapy so your child can move, listen and learn with new confidence.
WHY AUDIOLOGY MATTERS IN DEVELOPMENTAL COORDINATION DISORDER
Hidden Hearing & Balance Issues in DCD
- Up to 40% of children with DCD show subtle hearing loss or auditory processing deficits that standard school screenings miss.
- Undetected middle-ear fluid can distort balance signals, making bike-riding or hopscotch harder than it needs to be.
- Tiny delays in how the brain interprets sound can cascade into clumsy movements, poor handwriting and low self-esteem.
How Auditory Processing Shapes Motor Coordination
- The inner ear (vestibular system) is the body’s internal GPS; if it misfires, every jump or turn feels off-centre.
- Rhythm cues from music or metronomes help the brain “time” muscle contractions— critical for handwriting, skipping and sports.
- Early auditory-rhythm training strengthens neural timing circuits, improving both speech clarity and gross-motor skills.
OUR AUDIOLOGY SERVICES FOR DCD AT A GLANCE
Cadabams CDC offers a full spectrum of auditory processing disorder (APD) assessment, vestibular function testing and auditory-rhythm based therapy:
Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation Child-friendly play audiometry detects even mild losses that interfere with balance.
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Screening Specialised tests like Dichotic Digits and Frequency Pattern reveal how well the brain sorts competing sounds.
Vestibular Function Tests Rotary chair and video head-impulse tests measure inner-ear balance circuits without pain or distress.
Auditory-Rhythm Based Therapy Interactive drumming apps and metronome-guided exercises rewire timing skills for smoother movements.
THE ASSESSMENT JOURNEY: WHAT TO EXPECT
We keep every step playful, parent-inclusive and transparent.
Step 1: Developmental & Case History A senior paediatric audiologist gathers birth, ear-infection and milestone history via a relaxed parent interview.
Step 2: Play-Based Hearing Tests Your child pops balloons, stacks blocks or plays “freeze dance” while we map softest audible sounds. No scary booths.
Step 3: Advanced APD & Vestibular Protocols
- APD: Games with headphones measure how fast the brain swaps left-ear vs right-ear info.
- Vestibular: Gentle spinning chair and balance beam tasks track eye movements and posture.
Step 4: Multidisciplinary Feedback Session Within one week, audiologists, OTs and developmental paediatricians meet parents to share a visual report and next-step roadmap.
THERAPY & SUPPORT PROGRAMMES
Cadabams CDC designs short, evidence-based programmes that fit busy family life.
Auditory-Rhythm Training for Motor Timing
- 20-minute daily drumming or clapping routines synced to tablet apps.
- Targets handwriting speed, skipping rhythm and sports footwork.
Balance-Rehab with Auditory Feedback
- Wearable ankle sensors beep when posture drifts, turning therapy into a fun video game.
- Proven to reduce falls and boost playground confidence.
Home Listening Plans & Apps
- Curated Spotify playlists with tempo gradients.
- Parent coaching videos show how to weave rhythm games into bedtime or homework breaks.
School Collaboration & Classroom Strategies
- We train teachers to seat children away from noisy AC units and to give “countdown” instructions.
- Simple desk metronomes improve on-task behaviour without medication.
MEET THE MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM
Cadabams CDC is home to:
- Paediatric Audiologists: Experts in child hearing, balance and auditory processing.
- OT & Physiotherapists: Specialists who translate sound cues into stronger muscles and smoother handwriting.
- Developmental Paediatrician: Oversees medical aspects and links therapy gains to academic goals.
All professionals communicate under one roof, sparing parents multiple appointments.
SUCCESS STORIES: FROM HESITANT STEPS TO CONFIDENT MOVES
Case 1 – 7-Year-Old Improved Cycling Balance Arjun* wobbled on his bike despite daily practice. Vestibular testing revealed weak inner-ear output. After six weeks of auditory-rhythm balance games, he cycled 200 m without stabilisers.
Case 2 – 10-Year-Old Better Handwriting After APD Therapy Sara*’s letters drifted off lines. APD screening showed timing lags; she couldn’t “hear” the beat of a pen stroke. Metronome-guided writing drills lifted her grades from C to B+ in eight weeks.