Hearing Tests

We provide a full range of assessment techniques to evaluate hearing loss in infants and children of all ages.

Available advanced evaluations include:

Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex Testing
During a tympanometry test, an audiologist inserts a pressurized probe into the ear. It measures the tympanic membrane’s response to changes in pressure. The audiologist uses a handheld device known as a tympanometer and its output, a tympanogram, to analyze the data. A normal result means there isn’t any fluid in the middle ear. Air pressure measurements are normal and the eardrum is smooth. Also, the eardrum and conduction bones (bones that help hearing) move normally. An abnormal tympanogram may reveal the presence of fluid in the middle ear or a tear in the tissue that separates the middle and outer ear. It can also show such things as a lack of contact between the conduction bones or scarring from frequent infections. The tympanogram can identify other problems as well, such as a perforated eardrum, excessive wax buildup or even tumors in the middle ear. An abnormal tympanometry is grounds for further testing.

Acoustic reflex threshold (ART) helps audiologists test for proper middle ear functioning by testing the ear’s natural reflex to lower the volume of very loud sounds. A normal result means your child falls within the usual range. An abnormal ART may show some kind of a neurological disorder or nerve damage. As with tympanometry, an abnormal ART means more tests are needed.

Otoacoustic Emission Testing
The OAE (otoacoustic emissions) test checks part of the inner ear’s response to sound. The test is mostly done on infants and children who may not be able to respond to behavioral hearing tests because of their age. Otoacoustic emissions are sounds given off by one small part of the cochlea when it is stimulated by soft clicking sounds. When the sound stimulates the cochlea, the outer hair cells vibrate. The vibration produces a nearly inaudible sound that echoes back into the middle ear. Soft foam or rubber tips are placed in your child’s ear. Your child will hear soft sounds through the soft foam or rubber tips. A computer will record quiet echoes from the ear.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing
Auditory brainstem response testing is designed to assess the hearing thresholds of young children, as well as the functionality of the auditory neural pathway. We place small electrodes on each earlobe and one on the forehead and present sounds using small earphones. The electrodes pick up and record the brain’s response to the sounds and processes them onto a graph.

We offer an ABR clinic for those children who require sedation for accurate testing and diagnosis. This one-of-a-kind collaboration guarantees the highest quality service for your child.

Infants who are identified with irreversible hearing loss can be evaluated and fitted for hearing aids. Follow-up evaluations and resource referrals are also provided. Although diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing aids in infants and toddlers can be challenging, our experience working with children of all ages and difficulties allows us to provide proper care.