Types of Hearing Tests
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Clinical Trials / Research Studies
Radio Segment
Steve Muething, MD, associate director of clinical services in the Division of General and Community Pediatrics, can now be heard weekly "The Health Show," distributed by WAMC/Northeast Public Radio. On August 7, 2003, he spoke about Treatments for Hearing Loss in Children. Listen to this segment:
Hearing tests for the newborn:
There are two primary types of hearing screening methods for newborns. These may be used alone or together.
Evoked otoacoustic emissions (EOAE)
A test that uses a tiny, flexible earphone that is inserted into the baby's ear. Sounds are sent through the earphone. A microphone in the earphone records the otoacoustic emissions (responses) of the normal ear in reaction to the sounds. There are no emissions in a baby with hearing loss. This test is painless and is usually completed within a few minutes, while the baby sleeps.
Auditory brainstem response (ABR)
A test that uses electrodes (wires) attached with adhesive to the baby's scalp. While the baby sleeps, clicking sounds are made through tiny earphones in the baby's ears. The test measures the brain's activity in response to the sounds. As in EOAE, this test is painless and takes only a few minutes.
If the screening tests identify that your child has a hearing loss, further testing is needed. It is recommended that all babies with hearing loss be identified by 3 months of age so that treatment can begin before the baby is 6 months old, an important time for speech and language development.
Hearing Tests for Infants:
Evaluation of hearing in the infant may include the use of the above mentioned EOAE and ABR tests. Also, the following may be used:
Behavioral audiometry
A hearing test used in infants to observe their behavior in response to certain sounds. You will hold your child on your lap during the test. The audiologist will watch for your child to respond to the sounds. Additional testing may be necessary.
Hearing Tests for Toddlers:
Evaluation of hearing may include the above mentioned tests, along with the following:
Play audiometry
A test that uses an electrical machine to transmit sounds at different volumes and pitches into your child's ears. Your child usually wears some type of earphones. The toddler is asked to do something with a toy (i.e., touch a toy, move a toy) every time the sound is heard. This test relies on the cooperation of the child, which may not always be given.
Hearing Tests for the Older Child:
Evaluation of hearing for the child older than 3 to 4 years may include the above mentioned tests, along with the following:
Pure tone audiometry
A test that uses an electrical machine that produces sounds at different volumes and pitches in your child's ears. The child usually wears some type of earphones. In this age group, the child is simply asked to respond in some way when the tone is heard in the earphone. Your child might raise his hand or push a button when he hears the sounds.
Tympanometry (also called impedance or admittance)
A test that can be performed to help determine how the middle ear is functioning. It does not tell if the child is hearing or not, but helps to detect any changes in pressure in the middle ear. A soft plastic tip is placed over the ear canal. The machine then measures eardrum movement when the pressure changes. The test does not hurt but your child will need to be gently held in place and remain still. The test takes only a few minutes per ear.
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