Learn more about hearing loss in children and what you can do to provide the best help for your kids.

What to do if you think your child has a hearing loss

The best thing you can do for your child is get him/her tested right away. The technology is available to test hearing in babies as young as just born, and the sooner you are aware of the issue, the sooner you can begin providing your child with the tools he/she needs to start developing communication and language skills. Although most parents would rather not learn that their children have a hearing loss, today's level of available technologies can ensure their future growth into warm, productive and successful adults.

Hearing Help of Westchester works in conjunction with other audiologists in order to give your child the best possible care. We can also work with your child's school system to provide a secure and comfortable environment for your child in and outside the classroom.

Does your child have an Auditory Processing Disorder?

An AP disorder is the inability to recognize or understand auditory information you hear. If your child is having trouble with auditory processing functions, it may result in a reduced ability for him/her to learn through hearing. These issues can be addressed once recognized in most individuals with AP disorders who have normal or near-normal hearing and normal intelligence.

Warning Signs for APD
	Your child says "huh" or "what" frequently
	He responds inconsistently to sounds
	She often misunderstands what is said, or asks for repetition
	He is easily distracted, or has difficulty following verbal directions
	She has poor language skills, or has difficulties with academics
	Your child has a history of fluid and/or ear infections

HEARING TESTS FOR CHILDREN
Hearing Help of Westchester provides the following hearing tests specifically designed for children:

Behavioral Observation Audiometry (Newborns under six months)

Different levels of sounds are presented while the infant's resulting behavior (eye widening, eye blinking, sucking patterns) is observed.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (Children over six months)

During this test, a child responds to speech and different sounds using light and toys.

Play Audiometry (Toddlers)

These age-appropriate game-like activities encourage the child to perform an action in response to a certain sound.

Standard Audiometry (Adolescents)

This test delivers speech and tones via headphones to test hearing.

OAE Evaluation

An otoacoustic emission test (OAE) measures an acoustic response produced by the inner ear function. Tones or click-like sounds are sent through a probe placed in the ear to evaluate whether the child's ear produces these emissions in response to the sound. The absence of otoacoustic emissions may indicate hearing loss.