01/05/2026
Great tips for getting the most out of your child’s audiologist appointments 👏
“No one knows your child like you do, so don’t be afraid to tell the audiologist if there are things that help.”
Mum Zoe shares 7 tried-and-tested tips to get the most out of audiology appointments.
"1. Plan around energy levels. I try to book times when Elina isn’t going to be too tired from school or activities. If she’s tired, everything’s harder. When she’s rested, she enjoys playing and interacting with everything.
2. Don’t let them get hungry. Appointments can run long, and once hunger kicks in, it’s hard to focus. I often offer her a snack in the waiting room, just before we go in!
3. Allow for quick resets. I used to think we shouldn't ‘waste time’; we had to push through appointments without stopping. But now, if I see she needs it, I suggest a toilet break or water top-up. Your audiologist may not suggest it, but it's fine for you to take a break with your child.
4. Talk about it beforehand. Before appointments, I chat about her last visit and what’s going to happen this time. Usually, she just feels excited about the toys she’ll get to play with. Since she knows what’s expected of her, it feels familiar rather than unknown.
5. Plan a treat or favourite activity afterwards. This is part of our routine now, and it helps me as much as it helps her! A nice lunch with cake or going to her favourite soft play or the farm gives us something fun to talk about. It’s lovely for them to associate their appointments with something they love!
6. Share what works with your audiologist. No one knows your child like you do, so don’t be afraid to tell the audiologist if there are things that help them. Whether it’s about focus or ways the appointment could work better, it’s always worth mentioning. (I’ve asked them to start testing as soon as we get into the room, when she’s most engaged. Discussions are saved for later, when she’s started to get tired.)
7. Write down your thoughts and questions – and answers. Doing this means I’m more likely to come away feeling like I’ve got all the information I was after. If I don’t write it down, I’ll likely forget in the moment, because you're focused on your child in the appointment – and because mum brain!
If you are struggling through hearing tests with a very little one, it will get easier eventually. I hope these tips help someone else feel more confident going into their next appointment with their little superhero!"
