Pediatric hearing evaluation
(6 months to 5 years)
A pediatric hearing evaluation is adapted to your child’s age and abilities. It is done by two audiologists in a soundproof booth. The complete evaluation allows us to assess the presence of a hearing loss, to identify the nature and degree of the loss and to provide you with recommendations if necessary.
Consult an audiologist if your child :
Please note that our pediatric audiology services are offered in Laval, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu and Montreal-Nord.
Pediatric Hearing Evaluation Detecting hearing disorders
The pediatric hearing evaluation helps detect potential hearing issues in children and ensures proper language and communication development. Here are the key steps of the process, tailored for children aged 6 months to 5 years.
1. Case History / Anamnesis
The audiologist begins the pediatric hearing evaluation by gathering information about the child from the parents to better understand their auditory profile:
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Family history of hearing issues
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Medical history (frequent ear infections, hospitalizations, etc.)
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Language and communication development
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Signs observed by parents or caregivers (reactions to sounds, difficulties understanding, etc.)
2. Otoscopy
During the pediatric hearing evaluation, the audiologist examines the ear canal and eardrum using an otoscope to check for the presence of earwax buildup, infection, or abnormalities that could affect hearing.
3. Physiological Tests
These exams are part of the pediatric hearing evaluation and assess the function of the auditory system without requiring an active response from the child.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
This quick, painless test measures the cochlea’s response to sound. It helps detect the presence of hearing loss and is often used to complement other evaluations.
Tympanometry
This test measures the mobility of the eardrum and helps detect middle ear issues, such as serous otitis or dysfunction of the Eustachian tube.
4. Audiometric Testing in a Soundproof Booth
Audiometric tests are an integral part of the pediatric hearing evaluation and assess the child’s ability to hear and recognize sounds. These tests are conducted in a specially soundproofed booth to minimize external noise interference.
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
(6 months to 2.5 years)
The child, seated on a parent’s lap or in a high chair, learns to associate a sound with a visual stimulus (a light-up toy or animation). This playful method helps refine the child’s auditory profile.
Various types of sounds are used during the pediatric hearing evaluation to capture the child’s attention. In addition to specific frequency sounds, the voice, music, or more interesting sounds (such as a dog barking or a bell ringing) may be used.
Conditioned Play Audiometry
(2 to 5 years)
The child is invited to perform a simple task (placing an animal in a box, fitting a puzzle piece) when they hear a sound, which helps measure their auditory response while maintaining their motivation.
These pediatric hearing tests can be conducted using speakers or headphones. The choice between the two methods depends on the child’s age and ability to cooperate. Speakers assess overall hearing, while headphones provide more targeted measurements for each ear.
Additionally, due to the complexity of pediatric hearing evaluations, audiologists often adapt the testing methods based on the child’s abilities, concentration, and developmental level, switching between different approaches to obtain reliable results.
5. Evaluation Report
At the end of the pediatric hearing evaluation, a detailed report is provided to the parents. This document includes:
The test results, outlining the child’s auditory performance at various levels
An in-depth analysis of the child’s auditory profile, including observations on their development and specific needs
Tailored recommendations (follow-up, ENT consultation, hearing aids, speech therapy, etc.)
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