Pediatric Audiology

What conditions do pediatric audiologists treat?

The conditions treated by a pediatric audiologist include various problems with hearing and speech. One area of treatment involves middle ear conditions, which can lead to chronic or repeated ear infections. Other conditions treated include:

• Evaluation and treatment of hearing loss
• Malformations of different areas of the ear
• Sensory hearing disorders
• Hearing problems caused by gastroesophageal reflex
• Detection and removal of foreign objects from the ear canal

What services do pediatric audiologists offer?

The services offered by a pediatric audiologist vary according to the condition and symptoms of the patient. The audiologist will perform hearing tests in order to determine the cause of the child’s deficit. These tests include sound evaluation, as well as external and internal exams of the ears.

After the examination and diagnosis, the audiologist will work to find the best method of treatment for your child. She may use certain devices, such as a hearing aid, to correct problems with hearing. Also, installation of tubes in the ears could be necessary to correct chronic infections. Surgery is done when foreign objects need removed or to fix a malformation of the ear. Also, therapy may be utilized in order to correct certain hearing problems, such as a sensory hearing condition. The audiologist will discuss with you her recommendations.

What can I expect at a pediatric audiology appointment?

When you bring your child in for an appointment, the audiologist will ask general questions in order to give her an idea of the hearing and speech problem. She will discuss the types of testing used to find the problem, which may be done that day or scheduled for a later appointment. At the time of the testing, the audiologist will tell you what problems were found, as well as what method of correction is needed. The audiologist always gives parents 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.

Indicators of Child Hearing Loss:

• Speaks loudly
• 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

HEARING ASSESSMENT (HEARING TEST)

The first months and years of a baby’s life are critical for developing language. Most children can hear right from birth. They learn to talk by imitating sounds around them and the voices of their parents and caregivers. But that’s not true for every child.

THE STATISTICS

Every year in Ontario nearly four in 1,000 babies are born deaf or hard of hearing. Many of these children may need to learn speech and language differently. It’s important to detect hearing loss as early as possible. We are committed to making sure children with permanent childhood hearing loss are identified early and are receiving the support they need to develop communication and literacy.