Hearing Test for Kids In Gippsland

Hearing loss in children, if not detected early, can result in delayed language and speech development. It is, therefore, necessary to identify and treat the issue as early as possible. 

What is Childhood Hearing Loss?

A child is diagnosed with hearing loss if they cannot hear sounds around 15-20 decibels.

Symptoms of Hearing loss in babies

  • A baby has hearing issues if they show the following symptoms:
  • They are not startled by loud sounds.
  • Do not respond to familiar voices by smiling or cooing.
  • Do not turn their head when spoken to.
  • Delayed speech development.

Hearing Tests for Kids in Gippsland

Various hearing tests are available for kids to identify hearing loss. 

Newborn Baby

There are two types of tests for newborns:

  • EOAE (Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions): In this, a small, flexible plug is put into the baby’s ear through which sounds are transmitted. The baby's responses are recorded through the microphone. In case there are no emissions, it indicates a hearing loss. 
  • ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response): In this, wires are attached to the baby’s head using adhesives. Small earphones are placed in the baby's ears. When the baby is asleep, it is made to hear clicking sounds. The brain's response to these sounds is measured to determine its hearing ability.

Toddler

  • Play Audiometry: Here, an electrical machine is used to send sounds at different volumes. The child wears an earphone, and the test is in form of a game, where for a particular sound, the kid is asked to do certain actions.
  • Visual Reinforcement Audiometry: Here, the child is asked to look towards the sound source, and on correct response is rewarded with visual reinforcement.

Older Child

  • Pure Tone Audiometry: This test uses an electrical sound making device with varying pitches and volumes. The child is given an earphone and is asked to respond when a tone is heard in the earphone.
  • Tympanometry: This test does not tell if the child is hearing or not, but it helps find the functioning of the middle ear by evaluating pressure changes in the middle ear.

If you suspect your child has issues with hearing, it is recommended to visit an independent audiologist in Gippsland.