Audiology at Adelaide Paediatrics

Our specialised paediatric audiologists focus on the early identification of children’s hearing and ear health issues, along with the diagnosis and support for Auditory Processing Disorder (APD). Using the latest evidence-based technology infants, children and teens can have a full diagnostic hearing and processing check in an age-appropriate and fun way.

How does a Paediatric-Trained Audiologist help?

Paediatric-trained audiologists can help with:

• The identification of children’s ear health issues/glue ear

• Comprehensive Diagnostic hearing testing/assessment for children over the age of 6 months

• Newborn hearing screening/ assessment for infants under 6 months

• Full diagnostic testing and diagnosis for Auditory Processing Disorder

• Fitting and support for children’s personal listening devices

Has your child had a hearing assessment completed within the last 12 months?

A ‘pass’ in the newborn hearing screening undertaken at birth does not rule out current hearing or ear health issues. Best-practice standards recommend that a child's hearing is screened before any diagnostic assessments (such as evaluations for autism, ADHD, learning difficulties or disorders) or an evaluation of their speech and language skills. This is because an underlying or missed hearing disorder (which is not uncommon in pre- and school-aged children) can influence or potentially change the outcome of these comprehensive evaluations, including:

• Speech Pathology assessment or intervention

• Psychoeducational assessments

• ASD assessments

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

APD is a hearing problem that affects about 3%–5% of school-aged children and it makes it hard for them to know what people are saying.

Although the signs and symptoms of APD vary from child to child below are the most frequently reported symptoms:

• Difficulty understanding speech, especially in the presence of background noise

• Difficulty following multi-step directions that are presented verbally, without visual cues

• Easily distracted by sounds

• Difficulty paying attention and listening

• Difficulty remembering what has been said

• Difficulty reading, spelling, and/or writing when compared to their peers

• Misunderstanding of jokes, idioms, and figurative language

• Being fatigued at the end of a school day

APD can be correctly identified from 7 years of age and is diagnosed over 2 appointments and is presented as ‘listening games’ to ensure your child is comfortable. If your child is diagnosed with APD, our Audiologists will support and guide you to gain optimum outcomes for your child.

If you have concerned that your child may have APD, or would simply like to rule it out, please call our friendly team at Mile End on 7123 6147 and they will be able to assist you.

Book at Mile End or Morphett Vale

Expert children’s hearing tests are currently offered at our Mile End Supergym and Morphett Vale locations. Our specialised paediatric audiologists are here to help and ensure your child has optimum hearing to aid their overall development and learning.

If you would like to schedule a hearing screening, please speak to one of our friendly team members at Mile End 7123 6147 or Morphett Vale 7123 6163.

Phonak Roger Personal Listening System – Helping Children to Focus Better

Roger Focus II is a discreet, ear-level receiver designed to help children and teenagers across Australia hear speech more clearly in noisy environments. By significantly enhancing speech clarity in noisy environments and over distance, it helps users stay engaged and confident in classrooms and everyday situations. It is ideal for those with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and General Learning Difficulties who experience difficulty understanding speech in classrooms and everyday situations.

Using advanced Roger wireless technology, the personal listening system delivers the speaker’s voice directly to the listener’s ear - improving clarity at school, at home, and in social settings.

Improve Listening in Australian Classrooms

Background noise, distance from the teacher, and group discussions can make listening difficult for many students. The Roger personal listening system is widely used in Australian schools and learning support programs to:

• Improve speech understanding in noisy classrooms

• Support focus and participation in lessons

• Reduce listening fatigue throughout the school day

• Assist children who don’t benefit from traditional hearing aids

Key Benefits

• Enhances speech clarity in noise (ideal for busy classrooms and playgrounds)

• Designed for APD, ADHD, ASD or Generalised Learning Difficulties

• Compatible with all Roger microphones and transmitters

• Easy one-time pairing – simple for teachers, parents, and students

• Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear

• Reliable performance in real-world Australian environments

How the Roger System Works

Roger Focus II pairs with a Roger microphone transmitter worn by a teacher, support worker, or parent. The system automatically adjusts to background noise, ensuring speech remains clear whether in a classroom, school assembly, or outdoor activity. This makes it an effective assistive listening device for school-aged children in Australia.

Who is Roger Focus II Suitable For?

Roger Focus II is commonly recommended by audiologists, hearing specialists, and educators across Australia for:

• Students diagnosed with Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)

• Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

• Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who struggle in noisy environments

• Students needing additional learning and listening support

Compatible Roger Microphones

Roger Focus II works seamlessly with a range of Roger transmitters, including:

• Teacher-worn microphones for classroom instruction

• Table microphones for group learning

• Personal microphones for home and one-on-one use

This flexibility makes it a leading remote microphone system in Australia for school and everyday communication.

Why Choose Roger Focus II?

Roger wireless technology goes beyond traditional FM systems by automatically adapting to changing noise levels and allowing multiple microphones to connect in a network. The result is clearer speech, better engagement, and improved confidence for children in real-world Australian environments.

The Roger personal listening system works by sending the teacher’s/talker’s voice directly into the child’s ear. This takes the child’s focus away from distracting noise and allows them to hear the speaker’s instructions clearly.

Evidence shows that children wearing a Roger Focus can improve their understanding of speech by up to 53% compared to those who don’t wear the technology.

Can we Trial a Roger Personal Listening System?

Contact Adelaide Paediatrics to loan a personal listening system so that you can assess the individual benefits for your child. A non-refundable administration fee of $50 is payable, and a complimentary appointment is offered to fit the device for your child’s ear and provide instructions for use.

How do we purchase the system?

Systems are available for purchase and full technical support through Adelaide Paediatrics. Please call Adelaide Paediatrics Mile End 7123 6147 or Morphett Vale 7123 6163 for the current purchase costs and potential funding options.