Evaluation methods
Several test methods are available to help us obtain results.
For infants, a hearing screening as performed at birth is done to rule out the presence of significant deafness. With this screening, the integrity of the inner ear’s sensory cells is measured. A more comprehensive hearing test is required at a later stage, however, to ensure that the child is hearing properly.
Later, a visual reinforcement technique is used to assess the child’s hearing. During the test, the child’s reactions to the different sounds presented will help determine whether hearing is sufficient for normal language development. An animation is presented at the same time as the different sounds. The child’s head movements as he observes the image will enable us to determine whether he has heard the stimuli. A limitation of this method, however, is that both ears are tested together, so we can’t conclude on each side individually.
For children who are older and more comfortable, the play test is used. Using a game, the child is trained to perform a task when he or she perceives sound stimulation. This method is generally performed with headphones, enabling a complete audiological conclusion to be drawn about the child’s hearing in each ear.
What we measure
For each paediatric assessment, several tests are performed.
Following inspection of the external auditory canals, the mobility of the eardrums is measured. To do this, a small amount of pressure is applied to the ear. With this test, it’s possible to see whether the middle ear is efficiently ventilated, whether congestion exists, and even to detect the possibility of fluid behind the eardrum.
Subsequently, the integrity of the inner ear’s sensory cells is measured by sending out sounds.
These methods provide objective measurements that can give clues as to the hearing status of the child being assessed.
An in-cab hearing assessment is then carried out, to determine whether the child’s hearing is adequate for learning to speak. In some cases, it is even possible to note, from an early age, whether the child lateralizes sound, and thus whether he or she is able to identify where the source of the noise he or she hears is located.
How to prepare
With newborns, a nap time is ideal for hearing screening, as silence is essential and their collaboration is not required for the measurement.
The opposite is true for older children, as they need to react and be alert to different stimuli. An auditory evaluation should ideally take place in the morning or after a nap, to ensure that the child is not dozing off and is attentive. By the same token, if the child is hungry or agitated, it is more difficult to carry out the assessment.
To ensure that everything goes smoothly, it may be a good idea to get your child used to having his ears touched and wearing headphones. Once familiar with these gestures, they may feel more at ease, not fear the manipulations involved, and cooperate more easily with the assessment.
What to expect
It is not always necessary to obtain complete results in order to respond to the reason for consultation and to be able to continue with a follow-up process in speech therapy, for example.
In the majority of consultations, audiologists are able to complete the evaluation in a single appointment. However, in some cases, when the child’s cooperation is too difficult, a second appointment must be scheduled, for a fee, in order to complete the examination.
If fluid is detected behind your child’s eardrums, you will be given a referral to an ENT clinic to have your child examined by the specialist and a treatment plan established. Following ENT treatment, it’s important to repeat the audiological evaluation to ensure that the problem has been resolved and that your child’s hearing is back to normal.
