Hearing Tests for Children
Hearing Tests for Children: Preparation, Procedures, Types, Risks & More
Hearing tests are vital to ensure that children hear the world around them as they should. If hearing loss goes unrecognized in young children, major difficulties can arise in speech and language development. A hearing test checks how well a child can hear, understand and react to sound. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce such complications and prevent children from missing out on important information.
Why are Hearing Tests Important for Children?
A hearing test helps identify potential hearing loss in children. This is especially important for newborns who cannot communicate with basic verbal and non-verbal cues. Although hearing loss affects people of all ages, it’s especially devastating when it occurs in young children. Early detection is vital and often results in better treatment outcomes.
When Should Children Have a Hearing Test?
Most states in the US require newborns to receive a hearing screening within their first three months of life, often before they even leave the hospital. Children who have a high risk of hearing loss should have a hearing test as early as possible. Certain conditions can indicate a risk of hearing loss in infants, such as overall poor development, family history of deafness, low birth weight or sudden infant death syndrome.
Older children should also have their hearing tested periodically if there are any concerns. This can usually be done by the pediatrician or family doctor. After the age of four years, children typically receive hearing tests during school screenings. The frequency of hearing tests for older children may depend on their individual needs and circumstances.
How Are Hearing Tests Performed in Children?
A hearing test for a child will be tailored to their age and level of development. Audiologists often use games and charts to help younger children remain engaged during the test. They may also use a variety of tools and equipment to measure and analyze the child’s reaction to sound. Some common methods for checking a child’s hearing are:
- Behavioral Audiometry: Audiologists use this method to test children aged four years and above. It involves measuring the child’s reaction to different frequencies and volumes of sound. The sound may be produced by a speaker, a toy or even the child themselves.
- Otoacoustic Emission (OAE): This method works by measuring the responses of the inner ear to sound. A tiny microphone is inserted into the ear and soft clicking sounds are generated. The results are recorded and analyzed.
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): This method measures the electrical activity in the brain in response to sound. Tiny electrodes are placed on the child’s scalp and soft sounds are transmitted to the ear.
What Are the Risks of Hearing Tests for Children?
Hearing tests in children are generally considered to be low-risk procedures if conducted correctly. The risk of infection is extremely low as there is no need to insert any instrument into the ear. However, there is a small potential for discomfort or anxiety for younger children.
It is also important to remember that hearing tests are not always 100% accurate. As with all diagnostic tests, there can be errors if the equipment is not used correctly or if the child’s responses are misinterpreted.
Conclusion
Hearing tests are an important tool for identifying potential hearing loss in children. Early detection can have a significant positive impact on a child’s development and quality of life. Newborns typically receive a hearing screening shortly after birth, while older children may need periodic testing. Hearing tests in children are generally safe and low-risk procedures, but there is still a potential for errors.
