What Can an Audiologist Do for My Child’s Hearing Health?

Survey information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that one out of 1,000 infants and five out of 1,000 children and teens through age 17 have a detectable hearing loss in one or both ears. Healthy hearing is vital to children’s early development, and audiologists play an important role in providing early screening, testing and treatment for hearing loss. Here are some specific things audiologists can do for your child’s hearing health. 

Infant screening and hearing evaluations

Audiologists usually screen infants for hearing problems right after birth to account for any hereditary conditions, pregnancy complications and early infections or diseases that may have affected the infant’s hearing. If the audiologist finds any reason for concern, they will also conduct a full evaluation to diagnose the type and extent of the hearing loss. When testing infants, audiologists use special methods like auditory brainstem response (ABR) and auditory steady state response (ASSR) along with routine tests.

Dealing with hearing concerns right away can dramatically decrease, if not eliminate, any impact to the child’s healthy development of speech, emotional and social skills and can greatly improve the first stages of their education.

Treating ear infections

One of the most common ear health problems in early childhood is otitis media (middle ear infection). Audiologists are skilled at quickly identifying and treating ear infections and will provide expert tips for avoiding frequent recurrences.

Childhood hearing screening

At every milestone, audiologists in various health and education settings will continue to screen your child’s hearing, especially as they enter and progress in school. If these screenings indicate hearing loss, an audiologist will recommend a full hearing evaluation so it can be precisely diagnosed and treated.

Treatment with hearing aids

Hearing aids can greatly benefit children with significant hearing loss. Audiologists can fit children with hearing aids that will grow with them; for instance, earmold pieces in behind-the-ear (BTE) models are taken from impressions of your child’s ear and can be easily upgraded as a child grows.

Hearing rehabilitation

Audiologists don’t just treat children with hearing aids; they teach them how to adapt to listening with them in various environments. This training and rehab is vital to a hearing-impaired child’s success in life.

From infancy to adulthood, children can receive all stages of expert hearing healthcare from an audiologist. If you suspect your child is experiencing hearing loss, don’t hesitate to contact a trusted audiologist in your area.