Pediatrics

Pediatric hearing evaluations at our center are performed by audiologists in a child friendly environment.  Using today’s technologies, children of any age can be evaluated.  Behavioral audiological evaluation begins at 7-8 months of age.  Testing prior to 7-8 months of age can be performed to rule out the presence of handicapping hearing loss.  Browse through this section of our website or feel free to contact us if you would like more information.

Common Questions about Pediatric Hearing Evaluations:

• What typically happens during a pediatric hearing evaluation?
• Can you tell me about newborn hearing screenings?
• My kids love swimming, but often complain that their ears are clogged or hurt.  I am worried about the water pressure affecting their hearing.  What should I do?
• What if my child needs hearing aids?
• Can ear infections affect my child’s hearing?
  

What typically happens during a pediatric hearing evaluation?

Parents will be asked questions concerning their child’s medical, birth and family history, developmental milestones and how the child responds to sounds in the environment.  The answers to these and other questions, as well as any other information from parents will assist in obtaining useful background data.  An audiological evaluation will then be performed using Visual Reinforcement Audiometry and/or Conditioned Play Audiometry.  Testing is generally considered fun for most children.

Visual Reinforcement is typically performed with children younger than three years and involves visual rewards for correct responses.  Conditioned play is used for children starting about age three and involves performing a play activity such as throwing a block in a bucket in response to hearing a sound.

Other tests are also helpful in assessing hearing loss in children.  Tympanometry is routinely used to evaluate middle ear function including identifying fluid in the middle ear, an open middle ear tube and/or perforated ear drum.  Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) are utilized to assess inner ear function and are a popular tool for newborn hearing screening.

Can you tell me about newborn hearing screenings?

Infant hearing screenings are performed in the hospital after birth, just prior to discharge.  The child will receive either a pass or refer status.  The screening stimulates the inner ear and elicits an automatic response that is registered by the equipment.  It is quick and painless for the child.  If the child refers in one or both ears, further testing will be needed to rule out hearing loss.  You will be provided with this information shortly after the screening.

My kids love swimming, but often complain their ears are clogged or hurt.  I am worried about the water pressure affecting their hearing.   What do you suggest?

Don’t worry!  For the most part, water will not hurt your child’s ears.  However, some children who have had frequent ear infections may have tubes in their ears or perforated ear drums.  These children should avoid getting water in their ears.  This is easy to do with special ear plugs designed for swimming.

Swim plugs that are custom made by an audiologist are usually more effective in preventing water from collecting behind the ear drum.  Impressions are made of your child’s ears using silicone and within 2 weeks your child will have custom made swim plugs.  The plugs come in a variety of fun colors and also float to make them easy to find if dropped into the water.

What if my child needs hearing aids?

If it has been recommended that your child would benefit from the use of hearing aids or other devices, such as FM systems to help in school, our pediatric audiologists will guide you through the process.  A full evaluation will be scheduled to determine the most appropriate technology to suit your child’s needs.

Can ear infections affect my child’s hearing?

It is not uncommon for children to have middle ear infections.  It is also possible to have fluid behind the ear drum in the middle ear without the presence of infection.  This can cause temporary hearing loss as well as speech and language problems.  A pediatric audiological evaluation can assist in identifying middle ear pathology through the use of both behavioral hearing testing and tympanometry.

There are many different treatment options for ear infections.  It is important to discuss these options with your child’s physician and choose which is best for your child.

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