At Advanced Hearing Care, our expertise spans a broad spectrum of audiological services, from thorough diagnostic audiologic evaluations for adults, to dedicated pediatric audiology for infants and children. Our team is equipped to accurately assess and address hearing issues, whether they present in the early stages of childhood or later in adulthood. Through a combination of advanced diagnostic techniques, we ensure that every patient receives the highest standard of care for their hearing health.
Diagnostic audiologic evaluation
A diagnostic audiologic evaluation may be indicated for individuals who did not pass an initial hearing screening.
The evaluation is done to determine if a hearing loss is present and, if so, to detail the type and severity of the hearing loss. It also may provide insight into the cause of the hearing loss as well as provide guidance for your audiologist in making appropriate treatment recommendations or referrals to other professionals.
What tests will be done?
The specific tests done during the evaluation will depend on the patient’s age, symptoms and medical history. These various tests will determine the degree of hearing loss, the type of hearing loss and the conditions of the ear canal and middle ear. Your audiologist will also establish if the hearing loss is conductive (middle or outer ear problem) or sensorineural (inner ear problem or an issue with the auditory nerve and central auditory pathways).
At a minimum, a diagnostic audiologic evaluation includes pure-tone testing, bone conduction testing and speech testing.
What services do pediatric audiologists offer?
The services offered by a pediatric audiologist vary according to the condition and symptoms as well as the age of the patient. The hearing specialist will perform hearing tests in order to determine the type and degree of the child’s deficit. These tests may include behavioral tone testing, speech testing, middle ear function testing as well as electrophysiological testing such as auditory brainstem response (ABR). After the examination and diagnosis, the pediatric audiologist will work to find the best method of treatment for your child. They may use certain devices, such as hearing aids, to treat problems with hearing. Also, therapy may be utilized in order to treat certain hearing problems, such as a sensory hearing condition.
Indicators of hearing loss in children:
- Speech and language delays
- Listens to TV or music at loud levels
- Speaks loudly
- Asks to have things repeated
- Attention problems
- Only responds when face-to-face
- Has a delayed reaction when spoken to
- Has no response when called upon
- Has trouble following directions
Newborn hearing screenings
Every new child should have their hearing tested soon after birth. This ensures that, if there is any hearing loss present, we discover it quickly and can take immediate action toward resolving it. Our office offers newborn hearing screenings in a comfortable, convenient environment.
We recognize that the early stages of a child’s development are crucial, laying the foundation for a lifetime of learning and communication. A newborn hearing screening is a quick and painless process typically conducted using otoacoustic emissions (OAE) or automated auditory brainstem response (ABR) technology. Soft earphones are placed on the baby’s ears, and the equipment measures their response to sounds, providing valuable insights into their auditory health. From the moment a newborn enters our office, our focus is on fostering a positive and nurturing experience that contributes to their overall health and well-being.
What can I expect at a pediatric audiology appointment?
When you bring your child in for a pediatric audiology appointment, you will be asked to describe what areas of concern you have regarding the child’s hearing, speech and language or balance. At the time of the testing, your audiologist will tell you what problems were found, as well as what method of treatment is recommended. your audiologist will provide information regarding the hearing deficit and offers insight as to why this type of issue occurs along with the success rate of the treatment options.
Specialized hearing tests
Our range of specialized hearing tests includes Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) for engaging hearing assessments in children and individuals with developmental issues. Acoustic Reflex Testing provides insights into middle ear function, essential for diagnosing various auditory conditions. Furthermore, Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (DPOAE) is a non-invasive technique for evaluating cochlear health, suitable for patients who require gentler testing methods. These approaches ensure precise and considerate care for diverse hearing needs.
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)
Traditional hearing tests aren’t always ideal for patients like children or others with developmental issues. We offer visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) as an alternative for these patients.
A VRA test is conducted by presenting auditory stimuli, like tones or speech, through speakers or headphones. The patient is then conditioned to associate the sound with a visual reward, like an animated toy or light, reinforcing their engagement and allowing for an assessment of their hearing thresholds. This personalized and engaging approach is particularly valuable that allows our team to provide a positive and accessible healthcare experience.
Acoustic Reflexes
Acoustic reflex testing is a type of diagnostic test that shows us how the middle ear muscles respond to sound. During an acoustic reflex test, a small probe is gently inserted into the ear canal, containing a microphone to measure responses and a speaker to deliver loud sounds. The test involves monitoring the involuntary contraction of the stapedius muscle in response to these sounds, determining thresholds and providing valuable insights into middle ear muscle reflexes and auditory health. We use acoustic reflex testing as part of our process for assessing hearing loss and other types of hearing health concerns.
Distortion product otoacoustic emissions testing (DPOAE)
We also offer distortion product otoacoustic emissions testing, or DPOAE. The phrase sounds complicated, but it just refers to distorted sounds generated by outer hair cells in the cochlea. DPOAE testing involves placing a small probe in the ear canal, emitting two simultaneous tones to stimulate the inner ear. The responses generated by the inner ear are then captured by the probe, allowing for the assessment of the otoacoustic emissions and providing valuable information about cochlear function and hearing health. It’s a way for us to measure if any hearing loss is present without requiring much input from the patient.