Pediatric Audiology Services in Silver Spring and Chevy Chase
Hearing Loss Treatment for Children of All Ages
Let our team of highly trained doctors take special care of all members of your family.
Children Need Their Hearing Checked, Too!
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) endorses a preventative care approach and recommends that all children have their hearing checked at birth (newborn hearing screening) and again at ages 4, 5, 6, 8, and 10 and at least three times during adolescence.
These screenings are designed to identify possible hearing loss early, allowing for timely diagnostic evaluation and, when appropriate, intervention. Early identification has been shown to reduce the risk of negative effects on speech-language development, academic performance, and psychosocial outcomes.
If your child’s pediatrician does not provide routine hearing screenings—or if there are concerns between scheduled screenings—a referral to an audiologist is appropriate. At Capital Institute of Hearing & Balance, our audiologists provide evidence-based pediatric hearing evaluations in a supportive, family-centered environment.
Reasons your child might be referred to an audiologist
Chronic ear infections
Medical conditions and other risk factors associated with progressive hearing loss
Ringing or other noises in the ears
(see tinnitus)
How Is Hearing Tested in Young Children?
Pediatric hearing testing is adapted to a child’s age, developmental level and ability to participate. While many diagnostic tools are similar to those used with adults (see Diagnostic Evaluation) testing methods are modified to obtain accurate results in a developmentally appropriate way.
Some common test modifications include:
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA):
A method of performing pure-tone audiometry where your child turns their head towards the beeps and they receive a visual reward, such as a toy animal moving.
Conditioned Play Audiometry:
A method of performing pure-tone audiometry where your child is taught to play a game, such as putting a toy in a bucket, every time they hear a beep
Get your child’s hearing evaluated today!