Listening Checks
What are Listening Checks?
Daniel Ling identified six sounds which represent the range of pitches in English. They include "mm," "ah," "oo," "ee," "sh," and "ss." In 2021, four additional speech sounds ("nn," "zz," "hh," and "jj") were added to the original six to better represent the spectrum of English speech sounds. By presenting these sounds, we can look for patterns of consistency which helps monitor a child's hearing technology. Listening checks should be completed for the devices individually. It is a good idea to include a comprehension item as well, either by asking a simple question or giving a basic command.
What materials do I need?
Ideally, you will make a "listening hoop" which is acoustically transparent to cover your mouth without distorting your voice. Speaker cloth is a great choice and can be purchased from a fabric store or a car electronics store. An embroidery hoop can be used to give structure to the cloth, or you may print a template to create a speech screen. Be sure to use a size large enough to cover your mouth. Speech sounds are easy to identify with visual cues.
How do I record the data?
Be sure to record the date, child's name, listening distance, which device was worn, whether the individual sounds were repeated correctly, other findings (such as a dead battery), etc.
Printable templates are also available to track performance. Examples include documents created by Cochlear Corporation or Utah State.
Want an Electronic Record for Data Collection?
The templates below have been created for use to track an individual student's listing test results over time. When you click on the link to make a copy, you may enter the student's name and "Send" the form to teachers, daycare staff, etc for input. The form is currently designed to shuffle questions within each section (i.e. right-ear only) so that the sounds are presented randomly over time. Click the "Results" section to display aggregate data that can easily be shared with clinical audiologists to improve programming of hearing technology!
Ling, Madell, Hewit aka "Low, Middle, High"
(Separate Sections for Right, Left, and Remote Mic/FM Listening)
Original "Ling 6" Test
(Separate Sections for Right & Left Ear listening)