Pediatric Hearing Screening

From the cradle to the golden years, we offer an array of hearing tests for patients of all ages. Dr. Samadi will perform a complete physical examination and consult your medical history to determine which tests will benefit you. Our pediatric exams are specially designed to suit the age and comfort level of your child.

 

Hearing Tests for Newborns

There are two types of hearing tests for newborns: evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR). If either screening determines that the child could be suffering from hearing loss, further testing will follow.

Ideally, pediatric hearing loss should be identified before three months of age so that treatment can begin before the baby is six months old. This period is critical to a child’s growth, and swift action will help ensure healthy speech and language development.

 

Hearing Tests for Infants and Toddlers

To measure the hearing capacity of infants and toddlers, Dr. Samadi will perform an EOAE evaluation. If necessary, a referral for ABR evaluation will follow. In addition, a behavioral audiometry test will be conducted to observe the child’s response to certain sounds.

 

Hearing Tests for Older Children

Children older than three will undergo all the hearing examinations performed on newborns and younger children. If a hearing condition is suspected, Dr. Samadi may also conduct additional tests such as impedance audiometry, speech audiometry, and a pure tone test.

 

Understanding the Different Hearing Tests

What is EOAE?

The purpose of EOAE is to discover if a newborn has a normal response to sound. A tiny flexible plug that emits sound is inserted into the baby’s ear and their responses are recorded with a microphone. This test is painless and can be performed while the baby is sleeping. A lack of response could indicate hearing loss.

 

What is ABR?

ABR is commonly used to measure a newborn’s brain activity in response to sound. A set of electrodes are attached to the scalp and sounds are then emitted via tiny earphones. Similar to EOAE, the examination is painless and can be performed when the baby is asleep.

 

What is the play audiometry test?

The play audiometry test is usually enjoyable for the patient because it resembles a game. The child is given a toy and asked to perform a certain action based on the specific sound he or she hears. To measure the child’s hearing, Dr. Samadi will transmit sounds or words of different volumes and pitches through an electrical device.

 

What is impedance audiometry?

Impedance audiometry, also known as tympanometry, is a common way to test the functioning of the middle ear. Even though it cannot determine whether the child’s hearing is within normal parameters, it is still useful in identifying pressure modification in the middle ear. It can be challenging to administer, as the child needs to stay perfectly still during the exam.

 

What is speech audiometry and pure tone?

Speech audiometry is similar to play audiometry in that it asks the child to perform a certain action upon hearing a particular word or sound. The sounds are transmitted through the same electrical device that alters pitch and volume.

A pure tone test is conducted through a pair of earphones. It determines the highest and lowest frequencies your child can hear.

If you suspect your child may be suffering from a hearing problem, or you’d like to schedule a routine check-up, contact ENT, Sinus & Hearing Care Center today to make an appointment.