What to Expect at Your First Appointment at the Audiology Clinic
There are many reasons your child may need a comprehensive hearing test: They may have failed a newborn hearing screening at the hospital or perhaps they are getting ready to start speech therapy. Many of our patients also have underlying, complex medical conditions that can cause hearing and auditory complications. Whatever the reason for your visit, we’re here to help you get answers and create a clear path forward.
Our audiologists and audiology aides work with kids of all ages and stages – from the very youngest to those with medical or emotional needs. That experience means we understand how to help kids feel comfortable and confident during a comprehensive hearing evaluation.
We put their mind at ease. We have toys, games and even bubbles to put your child in a happy, fun and cooperative mood. We even have a few tricks (along with great technology) that allow us to get an accurate understanding of our youngest patients and our sensitive, kind-hearted kids who get easily overwhelmed in the doctor’s office.
Discover what you can expect during your appointment and how we make sure your child feels comfortable every step of the way.
Making an Appointment at the Audiology Clinic
We take referrals from any providers, including pediatricians, ENT physicians, oncologists and birthing hospitals. You may also be able to schedule an appointment for your child. However, some insurance companies require a referral for our services.
Your child’s provider can contact us directly. You can also schedule an appointment by calling central scheduling.
On the Day of Your Visit to the Audiology Clinic
Before Your Appointment
Preparing for a visit to the audiology clinic is simple. We only ask that our youngest patients (under 6 months) come hungry and ready to sleep. Older children do not need to do anything prior to the appointment.
Please plan to arrive about 15 minutes before your appointment. You will also need to plan for about 10 to 15 minutes to park and walk to our clinic, located in the main hospital in C-2. When you arrive, please check-in at the clinic’s registration desk.
Please call us if you are running late.
At Your Appointment
We’ll perform a comprehensive hearing test on your child at the Audiology Clinic. This evaluation will give us a clear understanding of any hearing loss and the next steps forward. Best of all, you will leave the appointment knowing the results of your child’s tests.
The appointment can take up to two hours for children under 6 months and one hour for children over the age of 6 months. During your visit, you’ll meet with an audiologist and an audiologist aide. They will gather your child’s medical and birth history and perform a short exam, looking into your child’s ear.
Your child will also have tests performed that can help diagnose hearing-related issues. Depending on the reason for your visit, those tests may include any (or all) of the following:
- A tympanometry test to diagnose problems related to the middle ear. A small probe will be placed in your child’s ear and air will be pushed through the probe. The air will make the eardrum move, which allows your child’s doctor to measure how the middle ear responds to changes in pressure. The test takes less than two minutes and is not painful. Your child may feel a little discomfort and hear noises from the probe during the test.
- Standard audiometry (a hearing test) to measure the softest noise your child can hear. The test is simple, and we’ll make sure it’s fun and developmentally appropriate for your child.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing to measure how your child’s inner ear responds to sound. This provides an objective measure of the auditory system.
After these tests are performed, the audiologist will review the results with you. They will discuss the next best steps for your child, which may include referral back to your child’s pediatrician or a specialist to manage conditions identified during the tests.
After Your Visit to the Audiology Clinic
You may receive a copy of the results before you leave, which includes important information about upcoming appointments or referrals to specialists. Results are also available on MyChart. We will also send a summary of your child’s visit to their pediatrician or referring provider.
