The Counseling Center
Mailing address: 690 Boyd Rd., Leicester, NC 28748
Phone: 828-683-6900 * email: info@aithelps.com
Fax: 828-683-0303
Instructions for Audiometric Testing
Prior to Auditory Integration Training
Date: _________________
Patient: _________________________
To your Audiologist, if not familiar with our treatments:
We have been asked to review this patient to determine candidacy for Auditory Integration Training. As part of our evaluation, we require an audiological evaluation. The following are the specific tests that are needed for this purpose. Naturally it would be important to make sure that there is no infection or fluid that would interfere with the accuracy of results. Please test the following with normal ambient sound (ie, if in soundproof booth, leave door ajar) and note, if possible, results of each ear on separate graphs:
- a pure tone frequency audiogram, showing the threshold response to each frequency investigated from 125 hz to 8000 hz, in-between frequencies, (often not tested), such as 1500, 3000, 6000 hz should be included. We do not look for the degree of "deafness", "loss of hearing," "normal" or "abnormal" hearing. We simply need the level this person perceives each frequency tested including the "super" or "hypersensitive" levels. That gives us in dB, the minimum level each frequency is perceived by this patient. Such accurate (threshold) audiograms showing peaks and valleys with a maximum degree of reliability give us much information which we read within a particular perspective and with parameters different from typical audiometry.
- obtain UCL's (uncomfortable loudness thresholds) also from 125 hz to 8000 hz, to determine the levels at which sound becomes uncomfortable.
- the Weber/boneconduction testing for laterality/dyslaterality is helpful.
- a tympanogram is also of great help, when it is possible to perform it.
About 40% of autistic children show hyperacute hearing at certain frequencies, (i.e., perceive certain frequencies beyond "0" dB); in that case the testing becomes more delicate and the details of the results even more important to us. To prevent pain, grimacing or tantrums, etc. it can be helpful to begin the testing of each frequency at -10 dB, if the equipment permits.
We know that such adequate testing is a demanding task. Please accept our gratitude and our thanks for helping this child with difficulties.
To Parents:For some autistic and suffering children, such precise audiograms might be difficult because:
- the child does not react to stimulus, or is too far off in his/her own world;
- the child does not accept headphones on his head or is hyperactive.
Despite this almost impossible situation, with a great deal of patience, time and creativity, some atypical audiologists invent ways to get partial but good information through observation, games, eye movements, etc. In such a hard situation, first try to test the 1000, 2000, 4000, 8000 hz; and after the 1500, 3000, and 6000 hz. The 125, 500 and 750 hz are also informative but of less importance.
Sometimes it can also be helpful to find headphones and let the child practice listening. Use soft music at low volume, songs, short stories or stories recorded by a favorite family member.
Aside from hyperacute hearing and autism, our Dr. Berard method Auditory Integration Training treatment is also of great help to many individual disorders such as learning difficulties, dyslexia, depression, chronic anxiety, endless mourning, burn-out, suicidal obsessions, chronic feelings of guilt, emotional distress and more.
The results should be mailed or faxed directly to me at the office above.
Sincerely yours,
Sarah Gewanter, LCSW
Certified Berard Method AIT Practitioner