Hearing loss impacts people across all age groups. But when your child or infant is experiencing it, the type of care they need from an audiologist differs from what an adult or senior needs.
That’s why the audiologists at Family Hearing Care offer dedicated services for infants and children. We take a closer look at these below.
What is Pediatric Audiology?
Pediatric audiology is a type of hearing care meant specifically for younger patients who are experiencing issues with hearing or sound recognition. Identifying and addressing a child’s hearing issues early is very important. Hearing issues can stunt a child’s emotional and social development, which can have lasting impacts on their life. The first step in avoiding that is contacting a pediatric audiologist who can help.
When Do Children and Infants Need Hearing Care?
There are a variety of signs that you can look to as you assess whether a child in your life needs hearing care. Some signs that hearing care may be necessary include:
- Speaking loudly
- Listening to TV and music at loud levels
- Asking to have things repeated often
- Attention problems
- Delayed reactions when spoken to
- Difficulty following directions
These symptoms can point to hearing loss but don’t guarantee it. This also isn’t an exclusive list of hearing loss symptoms for children. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about securing hearing care for your child if you’re at all suspecting they might be experiencing hearing loss.
A pediatric audiologist can assess your child’s situation with diagnostic testing. That way, you get a definitive answer, and your child can start receiving the care they need as quickly as possible if they are, in fact, experiencing hearing loss.
What to Expect at Your Child’s Hearing Appointment
When you bring your infant or child in for a hearing care appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to describe the issues they’ve been experiencing. The audiologist will consider these issues and any further information you provide before recommending one or more diagnostic tests, which may be performed that day or at a follow-up appointment.
Specialized hearing tests are designed to assess their auditory function for infants and young children. These exams are adapted to their developmental stage and ability to respond to sound. One common test is the otoacoustic emissions (OAE) test, where a soft sound is played in the ear and a tiny microphone measures the response from the inner ear. Another is the auditory brainstem response (ABR) test, which monitors the brain’s response to sound through small electrodes placed on the child’s head.
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) is often used for toddlers and involves associating sounds with visual stimuli, like turning their head towards a toy when they hear a sound. These tests, conducted by experienced professionals, provide valuable insights into a child’s hearing abilities and help guide any necessary interventions.
The diagnostic testing will give our audiologists the information they need to recommend a personalized care plan for rehabilitation. Throughout this process, you’ll have the opportunity to ask your audiologist questions and make requests based on your preferences for your child’s care.