pediatric hearing testing
All newborns are screened at birth for hearing loss, typically prior to discharge.
If they refer upon the screening, the birthing hospital will refer the family for diagnostic Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing at specifically equipped facilities. For newborns and infants under age 6 months, Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing is necessary to determine hearing levels. The younger this test is completed, the easier it is to obtain results while the infant sleeps naturally. It is extremely important to the child’s long term development to follow up as recommended and as soon as possible.
Once a child has enough head control, typically about age 6 months, we are able to provide testing at Hear Joy Audiology. Tests that may be used with children in our office:
What to expect at a hearing test
These sessions last 30 to 60 minutes, though the actual testing may be much shorter based on the individual child’s attention. We ask you to bring the child in at a time of day that they are awake and alert. Feel free to bring a bottle or favorite toy. You and your child will be in a sound treated room for testing. Quiet is necessary. We ask that you leave extra young children home or have someone else watch them in the waiting area. They cannot go in the sound booth with you and the tester cannot mind a child and test at the same time. We also need the room to be as quiet as possible. If you have to bring extra children, we can do our best, but you may have to reschedule if they are too disruptive.
Dr. Rancourt will discuss the results with you immediately, make recommendations and then send a report to the pediatrician and any other team members.