What To Expect During A Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation For Your Child

Health & Medical Blog

You may be wondering what to expect during a diagnostic hearing evaluation for your child. Here is a general overview of the process.

What is a diagnostic hearing evaluation?

A diagnostic hearing evaluation is a test used to assess hearing ability. While this type of testing is used on patients of all ages, it is significant for infants and young children, as early intervention can be key to development.

How do you know if your child has hearing problems?

According to the Mayo Clinic, up to "six of every 1,000 newborns are born with hearing loss" each year. While tests are performed on newborns to check for hearing loss after birth, sometimes problems can go undetected. As a result, it is essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms of hearing loss in children, which can include:

  • Not responding to loud noises
  • Not turning toward the source of a sound
  • Not babbling or making cooing sounds
  • Not being able to speak as clearly as other children their age
  • Difficulty understanding words

How is hearing assessed in children?

There are many ways that hearing can be assessed in children. One common method used to test newborns and infants is called auditory brainstem response testing, or ABR. This test uses sensors that are placed on the head to measure electrical activity in the brain in response to sound.

For toddlers and older children, a hearing evaluation is performed. This type of test includes a series of auditory tests designed to assess how well the child can hear different pitches, loudness levels, and tones.

What should you expect during a diagnostic hearing evaluation for your child?

The specific steps of a diagnostic hearing evaluation will vary depending on the age of the child being tested. However, there are some general things that you can expect during any type of hearing test, including:

  • A review of your child's medical history. The doctor will ask you questions about your child's health, medications, and any hearing problems that you may have noticed.
  • A physical examination. The doctor will physically examine your child's ears, looking for any signs of infection or blockage.
  • Testing. Depending on your child's age, the doctor will use one or more tests to assess hearing ability. These tests may include ABR, otoacoustic emissions testing, or pure-tone audiometry.

What does a hearing evaluation test consist of?

The test will generally involve you and your child being in a soundproof booth. The audiologist will present different tones or words at different volumes. Your child will indicate when they hear them and in which ear the sound presents itself by raising their left or right hand. You may enter the booth with your child, and if necessary, your child can sit on your lap in the booth. A pair of over-the-ear headphones is typically used to administer the test.

A diagnostic hearing evaluation is an important test that can be used to assess hearing ability in children of all ages. This type of testing is important for the early detection and intervention of hearing problems. If you think your child may have hearing loss, be sure to talk to a local doctor.

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1 September 2022

Help Others Make Health Decisions when They Cannot

One day I was playing a game of basketball with a friend, and the friend I was playing ball with tripped and took a hard fall to the ground. He hit his head hard, but he insisted he was okay and just wanted to go home and take a nap. I knew in my heart that he was not thinking clearly, and I didn't feel right letting him go home. I talked him into letting me take him to the hospital, and after some tests, it was determined he had a bad concussion. The doctors told me that if I had let him go home and sleep, things could have taken a turn for the worse. I created this blog to remind everyone to look out for each other after injuries. Not everyone thinks clearly after a head injury, and just being a good friend could save a life.