Daily Listening Check
A listening check is when you make sure your child is hearing and noticing the specific speech sounds you say to them, right after their hearing aids go on. You’ll become the expert on how your child responds. During this check, take note of sounds that your child isn't responding to and share with your professional team right away.
Ling Six-Sound Test
Learn how to perform the Ling Six-Sound Test. You'll produce specific sounds to see how your child reacts without being able to see your mouth. This quick at-home check will confirm they're hearing, responding, and identifying the six sounds that cover all the speech frequencies. If your child responds to all the sounds, they're ready for the day. Use a normal conversational voice when you say these:
- /m/ as in me
- /ah/ as in hot
- /oo/ as in boot
- /ee/ as in feet
- /sh/ as in shoe
- /s/ as in sun
With babies, you'll look for a response to the sound. Older children may be expected to perform an action, like dropping a block in a container, clapping, or placing a ring on a post when they hear one of the sounds. As your child grows and is able to speak, you can ask them to repeat each sound as you say them.
Use this test to help monitor your child's distance listening. Present the Ling Six sounds at varying distances between you and your child. Observe how close you need to be for your child to detect and identify each sound, and share this with your LSL professional.
Listening Checks by Age
Daily listening checks can look different depending on your child's age. We have a handout that explains listening checks for babies and for children so you can learn more about what your child needs.