Pediatrics

How do We Evaluate Infants & Children?

You’ve been told that your child needs to have their hearing checked.  This can be a scary time especially if your baby is just a few days old.  We understand how you’re feeling and rest assured we’ll promise to answer all your questions and to make sure your visit with us is as stress free as possible.

Regardless of yourchild’s age, there are safe, effective and accurate tests that can be used to determine how well your child hears.

Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAE)

(OAE) screening allows hearing testing within the first days of life. Newborn screening is simple and painless, and could make a significant difference to a child’s future.  OAE screening procedures for newborns and infants do not require the baby to respond. A miniature earphone and microphone are placed in the ear, sounds are played and a response is measured.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

Once a child reaches the age of 6-7 months to 2+ years old, sounds are presented through a speaker or headphone. The child is trained to look toward the sound.  As children mature they may be asked to point to pictures in a book, body parts, i.e. eyes, ears, nose, fingers, or objects in the room.