Pediatric Audiology
Children who have somedegree of hearing loss typically show signs of behavioral and speech relatedconcerns. Pediatric audiologists can diagnose speech and hearing relateddisorders early on and treat immediately to preserve hearing.
How Can You Tell If Your Child Might Have A Hearing Loss?
- Speaks loudly
- Attention problems
- Only responds when face-to-face
- Has a delayed reaction when spoken to
- Has no response when called upon
- Has trouble following directions
- Seems isolated and hermit
What Is Pediatric Audiology?
A pediatric audiologist is a healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat hearing related issues in infants/children. The treatment process involves first diagnosing the hearing impairment through various forms of testing. Based on the degree and severity of hearing loss a hearing device would be recommended. Aural rehabilitation is crucial to make sure that the child is adequately using their hearing and speech development is intact. It is also important for family/teachers/other legal guardians to understand how the devices work and be hands on in how to troubleshoot if needed. Especially for children, the sooner a hearing impairment is detected the greater chance for preservation, optimal speech development, optimal behavioral and cognitive development.
What Conditions Do Pediatric Audiologists Treat?
- Evaluation of hearing loss and treatment via Hearing aid devices
- Detect malformations of different areas of the ear
- Sensory hearing disorders
- Detection and removal of foreign objects from the ear canal
Pediatric Hearing Testing
A child's age and ability determine which of the following pediatric hearing test methods are used:
Subjective Testing Methods
* Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA) is typically administered to babies from birth toseven months old. Speech and sounds are emitted from speakers in asound-treated room, and children are observed for changes including eye movements, sucking patterns, cessations of crying, etc.
* Visual Reinforced Audiometry (VRA) is typically administered to children from sevenmonths to three years old. Children are taught to turn their heads each time asound is presented from a speaker, and their response is reinforced with alight or moving toy.
* Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) is typically administered to children from three tofive years old. During CPA, children are taught to play a game (e.g., throw aball into a bucket) when hearing a sound (through headphones or otherwise).
* Conventional audiometry is typically administered to children five years and older. Children wear headphones, raise their hands when a word is heard, and are thenasked to repeat words.
* Middle ear testing, also known as tympanometry, involves a soft probe placed into the earto help assess the status of the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and middle ear.
Objective Testing Methods
* OtoAcoustic Emission (OAE) tests objectively assess hearing capability throughthe measurement of echoes after sound is introduced from a soft earpiece.
What Can I Expect At A Pediatric Audiology Appointment?
Upon initial visit the audiologist will do a medical history in order to find out the possible natural of hearing loss, level of severity at home/school, noticeable speech delays, any pregnancy related concerns. The diagnostic evaluation will follow which includes an Otoscopic examination of the ear canal, followed by middle ear testing to rule out ear disorders/infections, audiometric pure tone and speech testing to determine the degree/type of hearing loss.A detailed explanation of the findings will be discussed with yourself and 3rd party. The treatment option will be recommended based on the findings of the test results and child’s age. Additional (ALD) hearing support may be recommended for use within the school setting. The audiologist will discuss with you the realistic expectations of the treatment options and it would be up to you as the legal guardian to make the final decision. We are your support system and will be with you every step of the way to ensure that your child is hearing optimal.