What to Expect During Your Visit: School-Age Children

During the Study

Your child will listen to target sounds such as tones or speech. The target sounds are often embedded in competing background sounds. In some studies, we teach children to indicate when or from where they hear target sounds by pressing a visual icon on a computer screen, raising their hand, or saying a word. In other studies, we ask children to repeat back target speech sounds such as words or sentences. Sounds are presented at comfortable levels that are not known to cause damage to hearing. We often test children using a “game format” in order to make the task more interesting.

During the course of the study, parents are welcome to stay in the lab, or if they prefer, wait in our adjacent playroom. The playroom is a great option if you are bringing other children to the laboratory or if more than one child is scheduled for testing. Your child will be given breaks during testing. Upon parental approval, small prizes, light snacks, and water are often provided to children during these breaks.

Finishing Up

When your child is finished with the day’s study activities, we will again be happy to answer any questions you have about the study or activities completed. Your child will be paid for his/her time. Payment for participation ranges depending on the study completed and time it takes to complete testing.