Hearing loss in children can be unexpected and deeply concerning. If left undetected, it can impact their development. As parents ourselves, we understand your priority is your child’s growth and well-being—and it’s ours too. If your child struggles with hearing, communication, or language development, trust our experts to provide accurate diagnosis and effective solutions.
Hearing + Balance Clinics provides pediatric hearing tests and treatment solutions at our Lavonia, Watkinsville, and Loganville locations. Our approach is kid-friendly and produces accurate results that lead to successful outcomes.
Parents should be vigilant about their child's hearing health, as early detection is crucial for optimal development. Several key indicators may suggest potential hearing concerns, including frequent ear infections, difficulty understanding speech without face-to-face interaction, consistently loud speaking volume, turning up media devices, delayed responses when called, and the need for frequent repetition. Additional risk factors include family history of hearing loss, premature birth, low birth weight, or oxygen deprivation at birth.
If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to seek professional evaluation promptly, as untreated hearing challenges can significantly impact your child's development. Delayed intervention may lead to difficulties with speech and language acquisition, challenges in social and emotional development, and reduced academic performance. Our pediatric audiologists at Hearing + Balance Clinics can provide comprehensive hearing evaluations to ensure your child receives the appropriate care and support they need for healthy development.
Hearing loss in children can have various causes, ranging from genetic factors to environmental influences. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for early intervention and effective treatment.
Congenital hearing loss is present at birth, often due to genetics or prenatal factors like infections, toxins, or oxygen deprivation. Newborn screening helps detect it early, allowing timely intervention to support auditory development.
Acquired hearing loss occurs after birth due to factors like infections, ototoxic drugs, head injuries, or prolonged noise exposure. Common causes include meningitis, measles, ear infections, and loud environments.
Otitis media, a leading cause of acquired hearing loss in children, is middle ear inflammation often linked to fluid buildup. Prompt treatment, sometimes with ear tubes, helps prevent permanent hearing damage.
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the second most common cause of hearing loss, especially in children due to loud headphones and earbuds. NIHL is preventable by monitoring volume levels and using hearing protection in noisy environments like concerts, lawn equipment, or shooting sports.
We begin by determining the most suitable testing method based on your child's age and development level. For newborns and infants up to 3 months, we conduct OAE (otoacoustic emissions) testing using soft earphones that measure cochlear responses to different sound pitches. This non-invasive screening helps identify potential hearing issues early, allowing for timely intervention and better outcomes for your child's development.
For children between six months and five years, we employ specialized behavioral testing methods. Young children aged 6 months to 2.5 years undergo Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), where they respond to sounds by looking at visual targets. Older children aged 2-5 years participate in Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA), turning hearing tests into engaging games where they complete simple tasks like putting toys in baskets when they hear specific sounds.
Our diagnostic process includes tympanometry testing to evaluate middle ear function and eardrum movement. During this procedure, we use a small probe that sends soft sounds and air puffs into the ear canal, creating a detailed graph of eardrum function. For babies who cannot respond behaviorally or those requiring more detailed evaluation, we conduct Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing, which measures the brain's response to sound stimuli through small sensors placed behind the ears and on the forehead.
After completing the appropriate tests, our audiologists analyze the results to determine if any hearing loss is present and its severity. We thoroughly explain the findings to parents, discussing what the results mean for their child's development. This consultation includes addressing any concerns about speech development, as hearing evaluations are often required by insurance companies before beginning speech therapy.
Based on the test results, we develop a customized treatment plan if needed and establish a regular monitoring schedule. Following recommended guidelines, we continue to screen children's hearing at specific age intervals (4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 years, followed by preteen and teen years) to ensure any changes in hearing are detected and addressed promptly. We remain available for additional testing anytime parents have concerns about their child's hearing.
Hearing tests can begin as early as birth. For newborns and infants up to 3 months, we conduct OAE (otoacoustic emissions) testing using soft earphones. Regular screening should continue at specific age intervals (4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 years), followed by preteen and teen years.
Watch for signs such as frequent ear infections, difficulty understanding speech without face-to-face interaction, consistently loud speaking volume, turning up media devices, delayed responses when called, and the need for frequent repetition. If you notice any of these signs, it's important to schedule an evaluation.
We use different tests based on age: OAE testing for newborns to 3 months, Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) for children 6 months to 2.5 years, and Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) for children 2-5 years. Each method is specifically designed to be age-appropriate and engaging.
The process includes initial age-appropriate screening, behavioral response assessment, and comprehensive diagnostic testing including tympanometry to evaluate middle ear function. For some cases, we may conduct Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing using small sensors.
The main causes include congenital hearing loss (present at birth), acquired hearing loss (from infections, injuries, or drugs), otitis media (middle ear inflammation), and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) from exposure to loud sounds like headphones or environmental noise.
The duration varies depending on the child's age and the types of tests needed. We ensure the process is comfortable and appropriately paced for your child's attention span and cooperation level.
Many insurance plans cover pediatric hearing tests, especially when they're required before beginning speech therapy. We can help verify your coverage before the appointment.
After completing the tests, our audiologists will analyze the results to determine if hearing loss is present and its severity. We'll thoroughly explain the findings, discuss what they mean for your child's development, and create a customized treatment plan if needed.
Following recommended guidelines, we screen children's hearing at specific age intervals: 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 years, followed by preteen and teen years. Additional testing is available anytime parents have concerns about their child's hearing.
We make the testing process kid-friendly and engaging. For younger children, we turn the hearing tests into games, such as completing simple tasks like putting toys in baskets when they hear specific sounds.
As parents and grandparents, we understand that nothing is more important than your child’s healthy growth and development. Since hearing loss has a major negative impact on language development, we are gravely serious about pediatric audiology at Hearing + Balance Clinics.
Early detection allows for early treatment, so submit the adjacent form as soon as possible if you suspect a hearing loss in your child or your child hasn’t received the necessary scheduled screenings. A member of our team will call you back to schedule a hearing test for your child.
Very nice and helpful staff. Always take time to let me ask questions. First time at the Watkinsville office but most of the same staff. I have been with them for several years now and very pleased.
