Can't hear or not listening?

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My son ( 6 ) is claiming that he is having trouble hearing. The first time we had his hearing tested he was three and everything came back normal. I started to notice around four and five he started cupping his ear and saying huh? Again had his hearing tested, the doctor said there was nothing wrong with his hearing. After a second doctor said the same thing I am beginning to wonder if he is making this up. Using this "lack of hearing" as an excuse for not listening or "hearing" what I have told him to do, being slow to act on a request etc. So to ensure he could not crutch this mysterious hearing issue I make sure he is looking directly at me and then have him repeat what he is supposed to do.Then there are times when I am not so sure because now at six he is still claiming hearing trouble and now it is a specific ear. I am going to make another appointment with the doctor for another hearing test...this is getting frustrating.

Can't hear? Or just not listening?

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He could have what's termed a dichotic listening problem?
What this is, is where one ear processes sound at a different speed than the other.
It is is only a slight delay, in milli-seconds. But it creates confusion for the brain, as it tries to process the sound from both ear separately, and then merge them together?
It is the fact that he cups his ear, but switches from side to side. That suggests this. As this increases the volume to that ear.
Which can be done with either ear.

michellea, thank you for posting that link I read it and it sounds almost exactly like him! Thinking back on all the times when I have had to come to eye level and ask J "do you understand what I am saying?" I know he heard me but it is like he did not process it or something.

Thank all of you for your reply's I will definitely look into ENT testing and bring APD to my pediatricians attention when his hearing test comes up.

Some people have acceptable "hearing", yet have difficulty processing what they hear. This is called CAPD Central Auditory Processing Disorder or APD Auditory Processing disorder. While their hearing is fine, they cannot make sense of what they hear. This is a good overview of the condition: kidshealth.org/parent/medical/ears/central_auditory.html

An audiologist with a specialty in CAPD would diagnose this condition.

When my son went to the doctor for similar problems and hearing loss was ruled out, the doctor reminded me that some people (including the Dr himself) have more trouble hearing when there is background noise. This combined with my son's mild attending issue and dyslexia proved to distract him to the point of not hearing. My son did a great job of coping with these issues and has since found ways to focus. Good luck with everything!

One of the signs to look for is if your son turns the T.V very loud even after you've turned it down.

Ask who wants Icecream...chocolate....candy................ However make sure he is not looking at your lips.

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