While much of the focus on hearing issues is on adults, the fact is that children can also experience hearing problems, up to and including hearing loss. That’s why testing the hearing is part of what’s included in pediatric diagnostics Rockville MD as part of the services offered. Here is some information that will help you understand how hearing tests have a role in making sure every aspect of your child’s health receives a reasonable amount of attention.
Testing Hearing in Children is Different From Hearing Tests for Adults
One of the first things to understand is that hearing testing for children is often a more proactive process than with adults. That’s because adults have the experience to notice when there is some change in hearing acuity. By contrast, children may or may not realize something has changed in the way they hear.
By conducting tests from time to time that don’t rely as much on asking questions that require articulating differences, audiologists stand a better chance of detecting a hearing loss and pinpointing the reasons for it. In some cases, this will mean focusing more on examining the condition of the middle and inner ear and checking for other signs that require minimal responses from the child.
What Pediatric Audiologists Look For
Pediatric audiologists typically look for physical indications that something is wrong with the hearing. This may be in the form of observing the condition of the eardrum and how it functions. It may also involve using audio to determine at what point the child seems to no longer hear the recording.
These and other measures are designed to determine if there is a hearing loss, if it seems to be due to a factor other than damage to the ear, and if there is a procedure or treatment that would reverse the apparent loss.
Why Testing is Necessary
Testing as part of pediatric diagnostics Rockville MD is necessary because hearing issues can happen to people of all ages. Hearing problems may have to do with a problem related to the ears or it could be a sign of some other underlying health issue.
By testing the hearing, it’s possible to identify the cause and begin to treat it before the situation can get worse. For a child, protecting the hearing is one more way of making it easier for them to function in a society where the ability to hear is so important.
Signs Your Child Should Be Tested
Many of the signs related to hearing issues that apply to adults also apply to children. The difference is that adults may notice these signs and the fact that something about their hearing has changed. Since children don’t have as broad a range of experience, they may not notice the changes or may even assume they are a normal part of growing up.
Signs to be on the lookout for include asking for the volume on the television to be increased. Children who don’t seem to hear their parents talking to them until their voices are raised is another potential sign. Failure to be aware of common nature sounds while in a park or on a camping trip could also be a sign.
The bottom line is that children need attention for their hearing as well as adults. If anything seems to be out of the ordinary, arrange for your child to see a pediatric audiologist. Should there be an issue present, the solution may be simpler than you thought.