I often visit families at home to conduct hearing tests for children aged three and above who have ADHD or autism. I’ve found that bringing the clinic to their familiar environment makes all the difference. By building in plenty of breaks and fun games and tailoring every step to each child’s preferences, I can collect reliable data without causing distress. Here’s how I do it in my practice.

1 Recognising each child’s unique needs
Before I visit their homes, I talk with parents about their child’s sensory sensitivities, favourite toys and optimal times of day. Some children dislike tight headphones or sudden noises. Others lose focus after just a couple of minutes. By understanding these details in advance, I can adapt my plan to suit them.

2 Making a home visit work for us
Building trust: In their own space, most children relax faster. I might start by reading a favourite story or playing with a special toy alongside them.
Floor or low-table testing: Instead of using a high chair or clinical booth, I spread out on the floor with cushions or use a low table. This lets the child move freely while I position the tympanometry probe comfortably. It feels more like playtime than a “test,” and I stay at their level, literally, so they see me as a partner, not an examiner.

3 Building in breaks and turning tasks into play
Fun choices: I structure all hearing tests as various games to keep the children’s attention.
Reward system: After each successful “game,” the child earns a sticker or a small toy. These incentives keep motivation high and help maintain cooperation throughout the session.

4 Customising my approach every time
No two children are the same. I ask which rewards work best—drawing, snacks or a tablet game—and I stay flexible about appointment length and time. I watch for subtle cues, like a head tilt, eye widening or clinging to a parent, to know whether the child is fully engaged, tired or has lost interest.

Testing hearing in children with ADHD or autism does not have to be stressful. By bringing the test to their home, focusing on middle ear function, and shaping every moment around what they enjoy and need, I can deliver accurate, comfortable assessments—and help set them on the path to better communication and learning.

$170-$200 per paediatric hearing test appointment by a fully qualified audiologist(specialist in hearing).If your child has a referral from any medical practitioner such as GP or paediatrician, you can claim back $35 – $45 from Medicare. If you are an NDIS recipient, your hearing test may be funded by NDIS.