Louise Levy: Hearing and Auditory Processing

On Wednesday, March 25, 2009, Louise Levy, a prominent New York audiologist, presented to our group. Louise educated the group about the difference between hearing and auditory processing, as well as the interplay between the two - if you don't hear well, you cannot process information effectively and efficiently; however, just because you hear well, you may not necessarily process information appropriately. Louise also stressed the importance of quick follow up with an ENT for any special needs child presenting with fluid in his or her ears because of lost time if the child is not hearing well - the child is at risk for losing the benefits of speech therapy and other interventions if the child is not hearing (and, consequently, not processing) well. Moreover, Louise discussed the interplay between food allergies/sensitivities - especially dair - and ear issues and noted that, for many children, removal of dairy-containing products can have a very positive impact on a child's ear health.

Louise told parents that a child needs to be developmentally at about age five for formal auditory processing testing but that it is possible, using other evaluation methods, to identify potential auditory processing issues in children for whom formalized testing is not appropriate. Louise then discussed a number of different methods for addressing auditory processing disorders such as Earobics (a computer-based program), listening programs, and devices such as the Phonic Ear, used in classrooms to improve auditory attention by elevating the teacher’s voice above the classroom noise.

Not only did Louise share with us important information about diagnosing and treating hearing and processing issues in children on the autism spectrum, she also gave us many take home hints of games, like Simon Says, that any parent can use to improve processing in their child and in which all family members can participate (and have fun!). Here is a link to her presentation: Hearing and Auditory Processing: It's Importance and Impact on Your Child

Louise Levy, Audiologist
863 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10075
hearlevy@AOL.com
(212) 472-1350