The Audiology Offices provides audiological care to the pediatric population. Undiagnosed hearing loss can be especially damaging to children, since hearing plays an integral role in the development of speech and language skills.
Hearing care is often associated with older adults. But hearing loss can impact anyone – even children. If your child is having issues with speech, learning or even behavior, those can all be signs of a hearing problem.
We will work with you and your child to diagnose their hearing and recommend a path forward if any hearing deficiencies are discovered. Here’s more information about hearing care for children.
What is Pediatric Audiology
Pediatric audiology is an umbrella term for healthcare services designed to help children who are experiencing hearing problems and issues with sound recognition.
The field of pediatric audiology involves diagnostic services, treatment and potentially product recommendation and fitting, based on the specific kinds of hearing issues that a child is experiencing.
Identifying a child’s hearing deficiencies early is crucial, as it will help them with normal speech, social and language development. This is why it’s important to be proactive about seeking out treatment if you suspect that your child may have issues with their hearing.
What Services Do Pediatric Audiologists Offer?
Pediatric audiologists provide a wide variety of services. They typically start by performing hearing tests to discover the type and degree of the child’s hearing issues. This may include tone testing, speech testing and middle-ear function testing, among others.
When the tests are complete, the audiologist will recommend a treatment plan for the child – if one is necessary. This can include recommending the appropriate hearing aids, or possibly hearing therapy, depending on what’s discovered during the evaluation process.
Your child may be struggling with hearing loss if they’re exhibiting any of the following indicators:
- Listening to shows and music at very loud levels
- Speaks too loudly
- Shows signs of speech and language delays, such as having a delayed reaction when spoken to
- Is struggling with attention problems and has trouble following directions
- Asks to have things repeated often
What is a Pediatric Audiology Appointment Like?
At the Audiology Offices, we strive to make hearing care for children as comfortable and low-stress for parents and children as possible. Your appointment will typically begin by an audiologist asking you to describe how the issues you’ve noticed with your child’s hearing, speech, language or balance.
They will then tell you the types of testing that they recommend to evaluate and diagnose the issue. This can either be done that day or on another day, depending on what’s needed. When the tests are completed, the audiologist will tell you the result and make a recommendation for treatment, if one is needed.