Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 8/31/2009

Question
Hi, I have a 9 yr. old daughter who has had persistent reading problems. She has been tested by psychologist end of 1st and 2nd grades and both times had normal IQ with no learning disablitiy noted.  At the end of her 1st grade yr. she failed her hearing test at a well child Dr. Appt. She was referred to ENT and I was told she had moderate hearing loss both ears..She had alot of fluid and had tubes placed. She had a normal hearing test after that. Last December her eardrum ruptured and she had some temporary hearing loss with that, of course. She starts tutoring tomorrow. I am wondering if the hearing problem maybe got her behind, or is it possible that she still may have some hearing problems/inner ear problems...Would she be someone who would benefit from having a ENG done? Im quite unsure and do not want to sound crazy suggesting this to her doctor if it is totally unrelated? Thank you for your time

Answer
Hi Amie,
There is no reason to have an ENG test done on your daughter unless she is experiencing vertigo or dizziness problems.  The ENG test is not a test of the inner ear, but of the vestibular/balance portion of the ear.  

However, what I do suggest is that you have your daughter tested for an Auditory Processing Disorder.  Children with a history of middle ear problems or hearing loss often have difficulty with reading as well.  Remember, hearing is essential for cognitive development and if there is anything impeding normal hearing, then cognitive development is delayed or disordered. This leads to difficulty in school, social interactions, emotional growth, etc.

Here is a good site that will give you more information on Auditory Processing Disorders:
http://www.ncapd.org/php/

Hope this helps.
Dr. Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology