Hearing Tests & Assessments For Children
Hearing tests for children may be performed a little differently than for adults. At Echo Audiology, we can perform Visual Reinforcement Audiometry, Play Audiometry and Standard Audiometry for children from ages 6 months and up.
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
(Approx. Ages 6 Months-3 Years)
With VRA, we condition your child to respond by turning their head towards the sound, and then reward them with a toy, lights, or other sounds that are located on each side of the Soundbooth. We may sometimes still have a team member of Echo Audiology in the booth, to help with the testing. Essentially, your child does not necessarily need to perform a task, but rather is expected to turn his or her head towards the sound out of curiosity.
Play Audiometry
(Approx. Ages 3-6)
With Play Audiometry, we typically have one of our staff members play with your child inside the Soundbooth while the Audiologist performs the hearing test. Essentially, instead of pressing a button when they hear a sound, we condition your child to play when they hear the sound. For example, we might ask them to add a block on a tower or insert a coin into a game. We can typically use play audiometry from the ages of about 3 to 6, though this may vary depending on the child’s attention and ability to be conditioned.
Standard Audiometry
(Approx. Ages 6-17)
Standard Audiometry is the same type of hearing test that we perform on adults. We basically require your child to respond to a sound they hear by pressing a button, responding verbally or by raising their hand.
How long do pediatric hearing assessments take?
Pediatric hearing assessment consultations typically last 45 minutes at our hearing clinic in Orléans. This duration includes not only the testing but also the case history discussion and counselling/education.
Does a pediatric hearing assessment include a medical report?
Yes, each pediatric hearing assessment at our clinic includes a detailed medical report.
Do you offer earwax removal services for children?
No, we do not provide earwax removal services for children. We offer this service only to adults over 18, as it requires reliable patient feedback to ensure safety.
How can I book a hearing test appointment at Echo Audiology?
You can book an appointment for a pediatric hearing assessment by contacting our hearing clinic in Orléans.
How can I prepare my child for a hearing test?
Familiarizing children with the idea of wearing headphones and listening to sounds can help make the kids hearing test experience smoother. Hearing tests are generally behavior-based with Play Audiometry, where the child plays a game when they hear a sound, or with Visual Reinforcement Audiometry, where we look for a reaction to the sounds.
Are there any signs I should watch for that might indicate my child has a hearing problem?
Yes, signs like not reacting to sounds, delayed speech development, frequent ear infections, or high-volume settings on devices may indicate hearing issues. Early detection through a pediatric hearing test is important.
Do you refer to other specialists pending on the assessment results?
Yes. A hearing assessment allows us to determine if there is a concern for hearing, but also within the auditory system. We have medical criteria that we go by to help determine if further medical referrals are required or not, and if the involvement of your family Physician and/or an Ear, Nose & Throat Specialist; or any other health professionals, may be required.
