Hearing Test For Children
Hearing is an important part of your child’s development. It affects their speech, language development and social interactions.
At Hearing Partners, we use an integrated assessment system to detect any causes and symptoms of hearing and speech impairment in children. Based on the results of the hearing test, we will recommend the right treatment for your child.
Types of hearing loss
Hearing loss can be classified into 3 main types.
- Conductive
This type of hearing loss occurs due to an obstruction in the middle or outer ear. As a result, sound waves are unable to reach the inner ear. Conductive hearing loss is often caused by an ear infection and can typically be treated.
- Sensorineural
Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when the auditory nerve or tiny hair cells in the cochlear are damaged. This type of hearing loss is usually permanent. Depending on the severity of the child’s condition, he/she will require either hearing aids or cochlear implants.
- Mixed
This refers to a combination of conductive and sensorineural hearing loss, where both the outer or middle ear and the inner ear may be damaged.
Causes of paediatric hearing loss
Some common causes of paediatric hearing loss include:
- Genetics (i.e. other members of the family suffer from hearing loss as well)
- Genetic mutations
- Infections like meningitis
Symptoms of hearing loss in children
These are some signs that a child may be suffering from hearing loss:
- Difficulty following instructions
- Tendency to ask speaker to repeat his/her question or statement
- Delayed speech
- Unclear speech
- Watching the television too loudly
Paediatric hearing assessments
Behavioural assessment methods
Behavioural assessments require the child’s participation. Occasionally, parents may also be asked to join in.
The type of behavioural assessment varies according to the age group:
- 0 – 36 months: Behavioural Objective Assessment (BOA), Visual Response Audiometry (VRA)
- 3 – 6 years: Play audiometry, performance testing
- 6 years and above: Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)
Objective assessment methods
These methods include:
- Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) or Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR)
- Tympanometry
- Oto-Acoustic Emissions (OAE)
Why choose Hearing Partners?
Leading hearing care provider
Hearing Partners is under the Demant group, an award-winning company and global leader in hearing healthcare. In Malaysia, we are a trusted provider of hearing care services and solutions.
Dedicated hearing care professionals
Our team consists of experienced audiologists who are determined to provide the best hearing care to customers through complimentary hearing tests and innovative hearing aid technology.
Personalised treatment and solutions
Customer Reviews
“I Wish to say Tq to Mr Mohammad Syafiq fr Hearing Partners greentown Ipoh for his excellent services. He is very friendly and patient attending to my parents. We have bought the hearing aids from him and my parents are happy with the hearing aids. They can listen better and clearly. Keep it up with your good services. TQ again.”
Kar Siew Lee
“HBC team are polite, helpful and go out of their way to make their Clients feel comfortable. I am extremely happy with the way they attend to my mum… from the initial purchase right to the annual servicing of her hearing aid. Anyone looking for hearing aids, for themselves or their parents, should definitely come here.”
Dr. Shireen Hashim
“Ms Chong is very patience audiologist who always tried her best to help me and provide the best service whenever she can. Furthermore, she always follow up with me as per scheduled to make sure my hearing aids are always in good condition.”
Khong Yi Low
FAQs
When should my child be tested for hearing loss?
If you suspect that your child may be suffering from hearing loss, you should schedule a hearing test as quickly as possible.
Furthermore, it is advised to have a hearing test done by the age of 2.5 years old for children who have a higher risk of
- acquired/progressive hearing loss (hearing loss that deteriorates over time) or
- delayed-onset hearing loss (hearing loss that develops in a child after birth).
What do I do to prepare for my child’s hearing test?
To prepare your child for his/her hearing test, you are recommended to observe the following:
- Avoid visiting loud* places as this can result in temporary hearing loss (minimally 24 hours before the hearing test)
- Bring your child to a General Practitioner (GP) or Ear, Nose, Throat (ENT) doctor to remove wax from his/her ears if there is a build-up of earwax
- Help your child to feel calm and relaxed
You will also need to bring your child’s passport or identification card for the test.
*A place is considered loud if you are required to raise your volume or shout in order to communicate with your child who is standing 1m or 3ft away from you.
What are the treatment options for paediatric hearing loss?
Some treatment options for paediatric hearing loss include hearing aids and cochlear implants. However, every case of hearing loss is different. Thus, each treatment plan should be designed based on the child’s situation and needs.
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