Paediatric

The manner in which a child's hearing is tested is determined by their developmental age. The test batteries used at NSAudiology for testing children includes Visual Reinforcement Observation Audiometry which is the behavioural procedure used to test children from the developmental age of 9 months through to 2 ½ years. The child is conditioned to turn to a series of pure tones, to ensure a consistent response a reward is shown after a clear head turn is considered a response. Play Audiometry may be similar but requires a definitive response, the tone is played and the child does an action such as putting in a puzzle piece or adding a block to a tower. This is sometimes referred to as stimulus-response testing.

If a child is older they may do a hearing test that is similar to an adults hearing test, wearing headphones and using a response button when they hear the tones that are played, rather than using a toy to respond.

An important part of the test is tympanometry, this tests the movement and  function of the ear drum and middle ear. This slightly uncomfortable but completely safe test, is used to determine:

• fluid in the middle ear
• otitis media (a middle ear infection)
• a perforation (tear) in the tympanic membrane
• a problem with the eustachian tube, which links the upper part of the throat and nose with the middle ear.

 

Tips for Parents: Identifying Hearing Loss in Children

As a parent, one of your biggest concerns is your child's health and wellbeing. While some health issues are easier to spot than others, hearing loss can be particularly difficult to identify in young children.

Hearing loss in children can develop for a number of reasons, including genetics, infections, and exposure to loud noises. Regardless of the cause, it's important to catch hearing loss in children as early as possible, as this can significantly improve their quality of life and future outcomes.

So, how can you identify hearing loss in your child? One of the most common signs is not responding to sounds or voices, particularly when there's background noise. If your child frequently asks you to repeat yourself or speaks loudly, this could also be a sign of hearing loss. In some cases, children with hearing loss may also struggle to follow conversations, or appear to be easily distracted or disengaged.

If you suspect that your child may have hearing loss, the first step is to take them for a hearing test. This can help to determine the extent of their hearing loss, as well as any underlying causes. Depending on the results, your child may need further tests, such as an ear or brain scan.

In addition to seeking medical advice, there are some things you can do at home to support your child's hearing. This includes minimizing exposure to loud noises, such as music, TV, or events like fireworks displays. You can also try to communicate with your child in a quiet environment, and make sure you're facing them directly when speaking.

Remember, if you're concerned about your child's hearing, it's always better to be safe than sorry. Talk to your paediatrician and book in for a hearing test.