How to Diagnose Hearing Loss-On World Hearing Day

How to Diagnose Hearing Loss-On World Hearing Day

How to Diagnose Hearing Loss in Children: A Guide to Tests

Hearing loss is a significant concern in children, affecting their speech, language development, and overall learning. Thankfully, various tests are available to diagnose hearing loss and identify its type and severity.

https://youtu.be/HUlNhpkM6f4

Here's a breakdown of commonly used tests:

Newborn Hearing Screening:

- Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): This painless test measures sound waves emitted by the inner ear in response to external sounds. A soft probe placed in the ear canal detects these emissions, indicating healthy inner ear function.

- Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR): This test evaluates the auditory nerve pathway by recording brainwave activity in response to clicking sounds. Electrodes are placed on the head, and the child can sleep during the test.

Tests for Older Infants and Children:

- Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA): Used for children between 6 months and 2.5 years, this test uses visual cues like animated toys to track a child's response to sounds of varying loudness and frequencies.

- Play Audiometry: Similar to VRA, this test uses engaging activities and games to assess a child's hearing ability. It's suitable for children who can understand and follow instructions, typically after 2.5 years of age.

- Pure-Tone Audiometry: This standard test measures the softest sounds a child can hear at different frequencies (pitches). The child wears headphones and raises a hand, presses a button, or repeats words they hear.

- Speech Reception Threshold (SRT): This test evaluates a child's ability to understand spoken words presented at varying volumes and in quiet or noisy environments.

- Tympanometry: This test assesses the middle ear's function by measuring the eardrum's movement in response to air pressure changes. It helps identify middle ear fluid buildup or perforation, which can affect hearing.

Additional Tests:

- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): Similar to AABR, this test may be used for children who cannot participate in behavioral audiometry due to age or developmental delays.

- Bone Conduction Testing: This test differentiates between conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It bypasses the outer and middle ear by transmitting sound vibrations directly to the inner ear through the bone behind the ear.

It's important to note that the specific tests used may vary depending on the child's age, developmental stage, and suspected type of hearing loss. Consulting a qualified audiologist will help determine the most appropriate approach for your child.

Early diagnosis is crucial for ensuring timely intervention and access to appropriate treatment options, optimizing a child's communication and development.

This is an educational photo reel/video for students and patients for making informed decisions about their own and others health. Dr Akbar Abbas stands as a leading figure in ENT surgery within Pakistan, offering hope and expertise to countless patients facing similar challenges. He specializes in otolaryngology, cochlear implants, ear surgery and is one of the few experts on pituitary and head and neck cancer surgery in Pakistan. Presently serving at Aga Khan Universit

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