Early detection of hearing loss allows for prompt initiation of treatment and rehabilitation for children with hearing impairment. We provide assessments for children as young as 6 months old, and our audiologists are fully qualified Clinical Audiologists specialized in Pediatric Audiology.

Our goal in testing younger children is to gather accurate information in an enjoyable and relaxed environment. The assessment is painless and non-invasive.

What to expect when you contact DHS

At DHS we want you and your child to have a pleasant experience, from your first contact with us till you leave our clinics. When you call us our receptionists Ann and Janet are prepared to take the time to listen to your inquiry, gather the information, and guide you toward the appropriate appointment for your child.

What to expect from your child’s hearing assessment

Tympanometry

This device will check the health of your child’s middle-ear system. The device applies a slight air pressure that will take a few seconds and the middle-ear (eardrum and the small bones) should move gently with the applied pressure. The results will tell us if there is any fluid or congestion behind the eardrums. The presence of fluid behind the eardrum may be related to various conditions including ear infections or ‘glue ear’.

Tympanometry

This device will check the health of your child’s middle-ear system. The device applies a slight air pressure that will take a few seconds and the middle-ear (eardrum and the small bones) should move gently with the applied pressure. The results will tell us if there is any fluid or congestion behind the eardrums. The presence of fluid behind the eardrum may be related to various conditions including ear infections or ‘glue ear’.

Otoacustic Emissions (OAE)

A soft probe is placed in the ear and a combination of sounds are presented, the results are recorded and they will assess the integrity of the outer hair cells of the inner ear.

Otoacustic Emissions (OAE)

A soft probe is placed in the ear and a combination of sounds are presented, the results are recorded and they will assess the integrity of the outer hair cells of the inner ear.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

From 6 months to approximately 2 ½ years

This approach enables the audiologist to assess the child’s hearing by rewarding their responses using visual stimuli (video or puppets). Usually performed using Sound Field speaker phones or insert earphones for ear specific testing, if the child tolerates it.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

From 6 months to approximately 2 ½ years

This approach enables the audiologist to assess the child’s hearing by rewarding their responses using visual stimuli (video or puppets). Usually performed using Sound Field speaker phones or insert earphones for ear specific testing, if the child tolerates it.

Play Audiometry

From approximately 2 ½ years to 5 years

The aim of this method is to condition the child to respond to the sounds presented through the earphones by using toys/ games. It is a fun way to do a hearing assessment.

Play Audiometry

From approximately 2 ½ years to 5 years

The aim of this method is to condition the child to respond to the sounds presented through the earphones by using toys/ games. It is a fun way to do a hearing assessment.

Puretone Audiometry

Over 5 years

As the child matures and gains a better understanding of the assessment, the audiologist can conduct the hearing evaluation in a manner similar to that used for adults. Using earphones, the child will hear beeps of different pitches and tones at various intensities, and the audiologist will determine the softest sounds they can hear.

Puretone Audiometry

Over 5 years

As the child matures and gains a better understanding of the assessment, the audiologist can conduct the hearing evaluation in a manner similar to that used for adults. Using earphones, the child will hear beeps of different pitches and tones at various intensities, and the audiologist will determine the softest sounds they can hear.

Further investigation

If a hearing loss is confirmed it is important to take the next step towards intervention as soon as possible.  The type of hearing loss will direct the type of intervention needed.  Whether it is a conductive hearing loss that can be addressed by a doctor or Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist or a sensorineural hearing loss that needs further audiological intervention, we are here to help you in the steps ahead.

Further investigation

If a hearing loss is confirmed it is important to take the next step towards intervention as soon as possible.  The type of hearing loss will direct the type of intervention needed.  Whether it is a conductive hearing loss that can be addressed by a doctor or Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist or a sensorineural hearing loss that needs further audiological intervention, we are here to help you in the steps ahead.