A pediatric audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation and (re)habilitation of children with hearing loss. They use a variety of tests to assess a child’s hearing, including:
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): These are tiny sounds that are created by the inner ear. They can be used to screen for hearing loss in newborns and infants.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR): This test measures the electrical activity of the brain in response to sound. It is used to assess hearing in children who are too young or too uncooperative for other tests.
- Play audiometry: This test uses games and toys to assess a child’s hearing. It is often used with children who are older than 2 years old.
Pediatric audiologists also work with children who have other hearing-related problems, such as ear infections, fluid in the ear, and cochlear implants. They can provide counseling and support to families, and they can work with other healthcare professionals, such as speech-language pathologists, to help children reach their full potential.
What is the main role of an audiologist?
The main role of an audiologist is to assess hearing and provide interventions to improve hearing. They work with people of all ages, but they specialize in the evaluation and (re)habilitation of children.
What is pediatric audiometry?
Pediatric audiometry is the process of testing a child’s hearing. There are a variety of tests that can be used, depending on the child’s age and cooperation level. Some common tests include:
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs): These are tiny sounds that are created by the inner ear. They can be used to screen for hearing loss in newborns and infants.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR): This test measures the electrical activity of the brain in response to sound. It is used to assess hearing in children who are too young or too uncooperative for other tests.
- Play audiometry: This test uses games and toys to assess a child’s hearing. It is often used with children who are older than 2 years old.
What age do babies get audiology screening?
Babies can get audiology screening as early as 1 month old. This screening is usually done as part of a newborn hearing screening program. If a baby fails the screening, they will be referred to a pediatric audiologist for further testing.
Why would a child see an audiologist?
There are many reasons why a child might see an audiologist. Some common reasons include:
- Hearing loss: This is the most common reason for a child to see an audiologist. Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, infections, and birth defects.
- Ear infections: Ear infections are a common childhood illness. They can cause temporary hearing loss, and they can also lead to permanent hearing loss if they are not treated properly.
- Cochlear implants: Cochlear implants are electronic devices that can help people with severe hearing loss. Children who are candidates for cochlear implants will need to see an audiologist for evaluation and fitting.
If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can refer you to a pediatric audiologist for further evaluation.