Overview:

Has your child been experiencing an earache or pain that just won't go away? Or have you noticed a difference in their ability to hear you? A pediatric audiology appointment with us might be just what they need to determine whether they are experiencing hearing loss. Here's everything to know about the benefits of pediatric audiology.

What is Pediatric Audiology?

Pediatric audiology is the process of using various diagnostic tools and procedures to diagnose and identify hearing disorders in children. It is performed by trained providers known as audiologists, that are both licensed and certified to carry out various tests to determine and manage hearing loss in their young patients.

Infants—as young as 24 to 48 hours old— as well as children of all ages can benefit from a pediatric audiology appointment. Several tests can be carried out during a session, including:

• Otoscopy
• Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) Testing
• Acoustic Reflex testing
• Newborn hearing screening
• Tympanometry
• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing
• Audiometry testing

What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Audiology?

In young children, hearing disorders can not only negatively impact important stages of development but affect their ability to speak and interact with friends and other family members. Getting a pediatric audiology evaluation by a certified audiologist can help improve overall wellness, especially with an early diagnosis.

Pediatric audiology sessions can help determine if your child's hearing loss is permanent or temporary; if it's in both ears or just one ear. Temporary hearing loss can be caused by a buildup of wax or fluid or a ruptured eardrum, and an appropriate form of treatment can be prescribed.

What to Expect During a Pediatric Audiology Appointment

If you've never been to a pediatric audiology appointment with your child, you might be wondering what to expect. A certified and licensed audiologist at Emanuel Kontos, DMD will begin by asking a comprehensive series of questions to determine your child's current health status, as well as any related conditions. From there, the actual diagnostic section of the appointment will begin with the audiologist looking into your child's ears using an otoscope. Depending on the symptoms, a variety of tests can take place, including tympanometry, automated ABR testing, speech understanding, or behavioral audiology tests.

Most pediatric audiology appointments may last between one to two hours in length, and follow up appointments may sometimes be required, especially in the case of fittings for hearing aids and cochlear implants.

For more information about pediatric audiology, contact Emanuel Kontos, DMD at (727) 939-2099.