Children’s Hearing Tests in West Perth
What Parents Need To Know
Hearing issues are common in children but this does not mean they should not be taken seriously. The most common types of hearing issues in children are temporary fluctuations caused by infections or a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum. Often, these types of conditions have no easily detectable symptoms, so parents can be completely unaware of the issue. Less commonly, there can be hearing issues caused by genetics, birth trauma or maternal infections during pregnancy or birth. In either case, it is vital that early detection and treatment occurs. Good hearing is essential for speech and language development as well as many other aspects of development.
Also read: The Connection between Hearing Loss and Speech Delay
The audiologists at Medical Audiology Services provide children’s hearing tests in West Perth for children from birth. The clinic provides children’s hearing tests in West Perth tailored to the age of your child and your needs.
Here are the most common types of hearing tests performed in our West Perth clinic, that you may encounter during your children’s hearing test.
Also read: Paediatric Hearing Tests
Children’s Hearing tests
1. Tympanometry
Tympanometry is a test of the middle ear (eardrum and middle ear bones). With this test, audiologists assess the movement of the tympanic membrane. Eardrum movement is what allows sounds to pass through enabling the hearing organ to hear. If there is any condition which blocks eardrum movement, such as wax or infection, it is detected by tympanometry. Fluid building up behind the eardrum is one of the most common causes of hearing issues in children. Although this test does not directly test hearing, it can give an indication of how well your child is hearing. If the middle ear is not moving effectively, it is likely your child is not hearing well.
2. Otoacoustic Emissions
Otoacoustic emissions are responses that the inner ear makes when sound is detected. The audiologists at Medical Audiology Services in West Perth place a small machine in the ear and records sounds that the cochlear emits. OAEs can determine whether there has been damage to the cochlear hair cells. Along with other hearing tests, the experts at Medical Audiology Services West Perth use OAEs to screen newborns for hearing issues as early as possible.
3. ABR or Auditory Brainstem Response
ABR is a different hearing test that does not rely on the patient responding to sounds. Rather, this test uses electrodes that need to be attached to your head or scalp and behind the ears. This test can measure the brainwave activities in response to different intensities of sounds. ABR is a test that is not routinely used in audiology clinics but can be useful for certain conditions. Some doctors refer newborns to Medical Audiology Services West Perth to undergo this type of children’s hearing test to know if there are any hearing problems.
4. Play Audiometry
Play Audiometry is for children between two and a half years and five years of age. The audiologists at Medical Audiology Services West Perth use a behavioural conditioning method. The test is presented as a game whereby your child performs a specific task, such as putting a toy in a bucket, whenever he or she hears the sound. Sounds at different pitches (or frequencies) are played to each ear through headphones to ensure your child can hear soft enough sounds to develop normal hearing and language.
As parents, we all want the best for our children, and we always want to keep them safe from harm. That includes their hearing health. The audiologists at Medical Audiology Services West Perth can detect hearing issues in children and advise on the best course of action. Hearing is a vital key to developing speech and language, and to academic development later on.
If your child has hearing issues, do not linger anymore! Consult an audiologist as early as today to find out options for treatment or to improve your child’s hearing.
Related article: Kids Ears
Want to know where to go?
You are lucky to be on the right page! Medical Audiology Services is the right team for you. They provide several hearing tests depending on your condition and needs. Also, they have professional and licensed hearing experts to help you and tend to your hearing needs. They also offer several services and treatment options to choose from. If you want to know about this, just go to their website and browse through their articles and blogs. Find out essential information that is just necessary for you.
Regardless of visible symptoms, also it is important to get your hearing checked regularly.
