Newborn babies need to be screened for any potential problems in their hearing by using some two main tests. The first one is automated oto-acoustic emissions test, known as AOAE and takes a few minutes to complete. It can be done when the baby is in slumber. A minute earpiece is placed in the ears and quiet sounds that are clicking played through it. It is a type of hearing test Etobicoke residents can use.
With the AOAE test, if the ears of the child are working normally, echoes should be produced in the cochlea. The sounds are analyzed by the computer. There are times when the results are not vivid and they would have to be re-done or another test used. The first test may fail because maybe the baby was not settled during the time, presence of noise in the background or due to temporary ear blockage.
Another test is the automated auditory brainstem test, abbreviated as AABR. In this, there is placement of three sensors that are small on the head and neck of the child. Quiet sounds get played through soft headphones placed on the ears. Sound analysis is done by special computers. These two tests will not work for older babies.
In visual reinforcement audiometry, a baby will be made to sit on the laps as sounds are played to them from a speaker. If the baby turns in the direction of the produced sound, a reward is given in the form of for instance a toy that is lit. In order to know the least sound the baby is able to hear at each pitch, the loudness will be varied. The same test may be performed using earphones. Earphones enable every ear to be tested on its own. It is used in kids between six months and three years old.
For the case of pure tone audiometry, an audiometer is used to generate sounds at varying volumes. The sounds that are played via headphones as the kid is told to show some response whenever the sounds are heard. The response can be for example pressing some button. Through reduction of sound level, the least sounds that can be heard by the child will be worked out.
The technique works for children of three years and above. It helps to screen hearing ability of a child before he or she starts school. When play audiometry is used, children will be asked to perform simple tasks whenever they hear sounds played from headphones. They could for instance be asked to move toys whenever they hear a sound.
A speech perception test is very effective too. It assesses the ability of children to recognize words without observing the person make movements of the lips. The words are said directly to the child while ensuring no lip movements are shown or they are played through headphones. The child identifies a word through picking out a matching word or picture from a list.
The method used for testing depends on the age of the child and the recommendation of the physician. Tests can also be carried out on adults. There are different methods for adult testing.
With the AOAE test, if the ears of the child are working normally, echoes should be produced in the cochlea. The sounds are analyzed by the computer. There are times when the results are not vivid and they would have to be re-done or another test used. The first test may fail because maybe the baby was not settled during the time, presence of noise in the background or due to temporary ear blockage.
Another test is the automated auditory brainstem test, abbreviated as AABR. In this, there is placement of three sensors that are small on the head and neck of the child. Quiet sounds get played through soft headphones placed on the ears. Sound analysis is done by special computers. These two tests will not work for older babies.
In visual reinforcement audiometry, a baby will be made to sit on the laps as sounds are played to them from a speaker. If the baby turns in the direction of the produced sound, a reward is given in the form of for instance a toy that is lit. In order to know the least sound the baby is able to hear at each pitch, the loudness will be varied. The same test may be performed using earphones. Earphones enable every ear to be tested on its own. It is used in kids between six months and three years old.
For the case of pure tone audiometry, an audiometer is used to generate sounds at varying volumes. The sounds that are played via headphones as the kid is told to show some response whenever the sounds are heard. The response can be for example pressing some button. Through reduction of sound level, the least sounds that can be heard by the child will be worked out.
The technique works for children of three years and above. It helps to screen hearing ability of a child before he or she starts school. When play audiometry is used, children will be asked to perform simple tasks whenever they hear sounds played from headphones. They could for instance be asked to move toys whenever they hear a sound.
A speech perception test is very effective too. It assesses the ability of children to recognize words without observing the person make movements of the lips. The words are said directly to the child while ensuring no lip movements are shown or they are played through headphones. The child identifies a word through picking out a matching word or picture from a list.
The method used for testing depends on the age of the child and the recommendation of the physician. Tests can also be carried out on adults. There are different methods for adult testing.
About the Author:
When you need a hearing test Etobicoke residents can come to Alpha Hearing & Speech Rehab. For the latest information on our products and promotions, visit us online right now at http://www.alphahearingspeech.com
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