Pediatric Hearing Evaluations: What To Expect

Child being examined with an otoscope by a healthcare professional at Northwest Speech and Hearing Center.

Before the Appointment:

You will receive an email for completing the Pediatric Case History. If possible, please complete this prior to the appointment. You may download, print out, and bring the completed history form to the appointment or email the completed form back to us. Having this completed will help the audiologist plan for what testing may need to be done.

Download the Pediatric History Form

Other children at the appointment:

In most cases, you will accompany your child in the test room during testing. Considering the nature of the evaluation being performed, a hearing test in a quiet sound-treated booth, it is difficult to have other children with you in the test room due to the noise and distractions that may arise. If your other children are older and able to sit quietly apart from you, they will be able to wait outside the testing booth. If more than one of your children is scheduled for testing or other young children will need to accompany you, please bring another adult with you to help watch the other children during the evaluation. If this is not possible, please let us know ahead of time, and we can try to accommodate you.

What to bring to the evaluation:

The evaluation will take about 45 minutes. You may wish to bring a favorite toy (quiet one), blanket or pacifier/binki to the appointment.

The hearing evaluation:

Hearing evaluations are conducted in our office in a large sound-treated room. A child can be tested for hearing loss at any age, beginning at birth. The audiologist uses objective and subjective tests to obtain a complete picture of your child’s hearing. A pediatric audiologist uses different types of testing techniques depending on the developmental capabilities of the child. Depending on the results obtained, and the ability of the child to tolerate the test procedures and earphones in their ears, more than one visit may be required to obtain all necessary test results.

Let the child know they will be playing games with the audiologist. Please avoid telling your child they are going to the doctor especially if they have had a negative experience at the doctor’s office.

If hearing loss is suspected:

After the testing is completed, the audiologist will review the results and findings with you. For many young children, the results end up being normal. If the audiologist determines that a child has hearing loss, they will recommend further evaluation and possible treatment. The kind of treatment depends on the type of hearing loss, how severe it is, and the child's other needs. All children identified with a permanent type of hearing loss should have a thorough medical and ear exam performed by a pediatric Ear Nose and Throat physician. Treatment decisions and options will be made with the family every step of the way.

Understanding Pediatric Hearing Loss

Pediatric hearing loss can significantly impact a child's development, communication skills, and social interactions. It is essential for parents to understand the different types of hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound, and how they can affect a child's ability to hear and process sounds.

There are various causes of pediatric hearing loss, including genetic factors, infections, and environmental influences. Early detection through hearing evaluations is crucial, as timely intervention can lead to better outcomes for children with hearing loss, ensuring they receive the support they need for their development.

Types of Hearing Tests Performed

During a pediatric hearing evaluation, several types of hearing tests may be conducted to assess a child's hearing abilities accurately. These tests can include pure-tone audiometry, speech audiometry, and tympanometry, each designed to measure different aspects of hearing and ear function.

For instance, pure-tone audiometry assesses the faintest tones a child can hear at various frequencies, while speech audiometry evaluates their ability to recognize and understand speech. Understanding these tests can help parents prepare for what to expect during the evaluation process.

Post-Evaluation Steps and Recommendations

After the hearing evaluation, the audiologist will provide parents with a detailed report of the findings and discuss any necessary follow-up steps. This may include further testing, referrals to specialists, or recommendations for hearing aids or other assistive devices.

It's important for parents to ask questions during this discussion to fully understand their child's hearing health and any recommended interventions. The audiologist can also provide resources and support to help families navigate the next steps in managing their child's hearing needs.

Creating a Comfortable Environment for Testing

To ensure a successful hearing evaluation, creating a comfortable and stress-free environment for the child is vital. Familiar items such as a favorite toy or blanket can help soothe anxiety and make the testing process smoother.

Additionally, explaining the evaluation process in a child-friendly manner can alleviate fear. Parents are encouraged to talk to their children about what will happen during the appointment, emphasizing that the tests are simple and designed to help them hear better.