Hearing and Ear Health
Can children experience hearing loss?
Children of all ages can have hearing loss. Diagnosing and treating hearing loss in children is different from adults, and special tests are used to assess their hearing.
How is hearing tested in babies and young children?
For newborns and infants, two common tests are used:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): Electrodes are placed on the baby’s head to measure brain activity in response to sound.
- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs): A small probe is placed in the ear to check for sound responses from the cochlea. If no response is found, there may be a blockage or damage.
What hearing tests are used for toddlers and preschoolers?
Older children may take part in:
- Visual Response Audiometry: The child turns toward a toy or screen when they hear a sound.
- Conditioned Play Audiometry: The child plays a game, like dropping a block in a bucket, when they hear a sound. These tests help check hearing but may not detect hearing loss in one ear.
How is speech tested in young children?
Speech is dependent on hearing. Children aged 3 and above can take a speech discrimination test, where they repeat or identify words spoken to them. This test may be done in quiet setting or with background noise.
What causes ear infections in children, and how are they treated?
Middle ear infections are very common in kids and often cause temporary hearing loss. These happen when fluid builds up due to blocked Eustachian tubes, which are smaller and more horizontal in children. A common treatment is placing ear tubes—tiny tubes inserted into the eardrum to allow fluid to drain and prevent future infections. These tubes usually fall out on their own after a few months.
If you wish to be advised on your condition and the most appropriate treatment, please call to schedule an appointment or click here to request an appointment online.
