Comments Box 2.
Respondent Comments Regarding the LittlEARS Auditory Questionnaire
| POSITIVE COMMENTS |
| “The items listed in the LittlEARS questionnaire are very descriptive and provide both accurate and straightforward information regarding the child’s communication development. . . . The items listed in the questionnaire are easy and simple enough for parents to complete and observe in their child; thus aiding as a counseling tool. . . .” |
| “This tool allows for measurement of even small gains in auditory skills. By highlighting gains a parent can feel proud of all their hard work. I see this tool being used with very young children. However I mainly see that I would use it with children who are hearing impaired who are low functioning where it is otherwise not possible to see gain.” |
| NEGATIVE COMMENTS |
| “The LittlEARS questions only cover a limited number of auditory responses a child may display. . . . The disadvantage that it poses is that all questions are closed set and by being limited to questions that only depict certain scenarios, an infant’s true range of auditory behaviors may not be accurately portrayed.” |
| “The process is clinically redundant. However if the concept is simply to document whether the child is doing as they should, given age etc, auditorily under an amplified condition, then it should be divided off into age related sections. If the child is doing as expected in their given age range . . . then done, there is no need to determine if they are doing ‘better’ than expected . . . this information can be provided by the relevant therapist or teacher. If doing ‘worse’ than expected yes certainly appropriate review should be conducted and referrals and/or counseling conducted.” |
| SUGGESTED REVISIONS |
| “There is no need to look for 6 ‘no’s’ in a row, when you are already well above the child’s age range.” |
| “Additionally it would be nice if there were norms on English speakers as well.” |
| “It would be interesting to see what the reports would look like from parents with children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.” |