Identifying A Listening Problem
There are many different symptoms to consider when identifying a listening problem. Below you will find a list of symptoms commonly found in individuals who have learning and communication problems. However, not all of these symptoms will be characteristics of all individuals. If you find the presence of some or a majority of these symptoms you may want to consider the degree to which a poor listening ability may be contributing to the individual's learning and communication problems.
If many of the symptoms apply to you or your child, you he/she may have a listening dysfunction. Feel free to use this form to select any categories that apply to you and then fill in your contact details if you would like speak with us. The Listening Checklist.
Developmental History: The early years
This knowledge about the younger years is extremely important in the early identification and prevention of listening problems. It also can help shed light on possible causes of listening problems.
Receptive Listening: Our external environment
This type of listening is directed outward to the world around us. It keeps us attuned to what's going on at home, at work, in the classroom or with friends.
Expressive Listening: Our internal environment
This is the kind of listening that is directed within us. We use it to listen to ourselves and to gauge and control our voice when we speak and sing. Individuals with listening-based communication problems are frequently seen to have very poor audio-vocal control or self-listening.
Motor Skills: Our physical abilities
The ear of the body (the vestibule), which controls balance, muscle and eye coordination and body image needs close scrutiny also.
The Level of Energy: Our fuel system
The ear acts like a dynamo (a powerful motor), providing the "brain" energy we need not only to survive but also to lead fulfilling lives.
Behavioral and Social Adjustments: Our relationship skills
A result of poor listening skills is often related to these qualities of interacting with others.
There are many different symptoms to consider when identifying a listening problem. Below you will find a list of symptoms commonly found in individuals who have learning and communication problems. However, not all of these symptoms will be characteristics of all individuals. If you find the presence of some or a majority of these symptoms you may want to consider the degree to which a poor listening ability may be contributing to the individual's learning and communication problems.
If many of the symptoms apply to you or your child, you he/she may have a listening dysfunction. Feel free to use this form to select any categories that apply to you and then fill in your contact details if you would like speak with us. The Listening Checklist.
Developmental History: The early years
This knowledge about the younger years is extremely important in the early identification and prevention of listening problems. It also can help shed light on possible causes of listening problems.
- A stressful pregnancy
- Difficult birth
- Adoption
- Early separation from the mother
- Delay in motor development
- Delay in language development
- Recurring and chronic ear infections
Receptive Listening: Our external environment
This type of listening is directed outward to the world around us. It keeps us attuned to what's going on at home, at work, in the classroom or with friends.
- Short attention span
- Distractibility, restlessness, and daydreaming
- Over-sensitivity to sound
- Misinterpretation of questions
- Confusion of similar sounding words
- Frequent need for repetition
- Inability to follow sequential instruction
- Poor attention and concentration in learning and communication environments
- Difficulty to follow and participate in conversations
Expressive Listening: Our internal environment
This is the kind of listening that is directed within us. We use it to listen to ourselves and to gauge and control our voice when we speak and sing. Individuals with listening-based communication problems are frequently seen to have very poor audio-vocal control or self-listening.
- Flat and monotonous voice
- Hesitant Speech
- Weak Vocabulary
- Poor sentence structure
- Overuse of stereotyped expression
- Inability to sing in tune
- Confusion or reversal of letters
- Poor reading comprehension
- Poor reading aloud
- Poor spelling
Motor Skills: Our physical abilities
The ear of the body (the vestibule), which controls balance, muscle and eye coordination and body image needs close scrutiny also.
- Poor posture
- Fidgety behavior
- Clumsy, uncoordinated movements
- Poor sense of rhythm
- Messy handwriting
- Hard time with organization, structure
- Confusion of left and rights
- Mixed dominance (of hands?)
- Poor sports skills
- Poor organizational and planning skills
- Poor spatial orientation
- Poor sense of time
The Level of Energy: Our fuel system
The ear acts like a dynamo (a powerful motor), providing the "brain" energy we need not only to survive but also to lead fulfilling lives.
- Difficulty getting up
- Tiredness at the end of the day
- Habitual procrastination
- Hyperactivity
- Tendency toward depression
- Feeling overburdened with everyday tasks
Behavioral and Social Adjustments: Our relationship skills
A result of poor listening skills is often related to these qualities of interacting with others.
- Low tolerance for frustration
- Poor self-confidence
- Poor self image
- Shyness
- Difficulty making friends
- Tendency to withdraw or avoid others
- Irritability
- Immaturity
- Low motivation, no interest in school/work
- Negative attitude towards school/work