What type of evaluation tool assesses a child's hearing ability and possible middle ear infections for diagnosing selective mutism?

The evaluation tool that is designed to assess a child's hearing ability and detect possible middle ear infections is a hearing screening. This is crucial in the context of diagnosing selective mutism because often, children who are selectively mute may actually have undiagnosed hearing issues that can affect their speech and communication skills. Hearing screenings help identify any auditory problems that could contribute to a child's reluctance or inability to speak in certain situations.

A hearing screening typically includes simple tests that help professionals determine whether a child can hear sounds at certain frequencies and volumes, which is fundamental for effective speech development. It is a foundational step in the evaluation process, as hearing impairments can directly impact a child's ability to engage in verbal communication, thereby informing their selective mutism.

Other options provided, such as speech assessments, cognitive screenings, and language evaluations, focus on different aspects of speech and language development but do not specifically address auditory capability or the physical health of the ear, which are essential for ruling out hearing-related issues in a child suspected of having selective mutism.