Babies that have just been born are screened for potential problems in hearing through the use of two quick tests that are painless. The first is the automated oto-acoustic emissions test, AOAE, which takes just some minutes and is able to be done when the baby is sleeping. There is placement of a small earpiece in the ears of the baby after which quiet sounds get played through it. This is one form of hearing test Etobicoke residents can consider.
For the test, in the event that the ears are functioning well, echoes will be produced in the part of the ear known as the cochlea. The sounds that result are sent to a computer for analysis. If the results are not clear enough, the test would have to be done once again or a different test performed. Failure of the first test may be attributed to unsettled state of the baby during the test, temporary ear blockage or presence of background noise.
The AABR test, known as automated auditory brain-stem response test involves placement of three minute sensors at the neck and head of the baby. Thereafter, headphones get placed over the ears then quiet sounds get played. Just like in most of the methods, the sounds are analyzed by the computer. The first two tests would not be ideal for older babies. There are special tests for them.
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.
The speech perception test is used to assess the ability of the child to recognize the words they can hear without necessarily seeing a person make lip movements. The words could be played via headphones or the person says them directly without showing him or her lip movements. The child is then expected to identify a word by choosing a matching picture or word from a list.
The testing technique used will mostly depend on the age of a child. Hearing tests are also done on grownups. Adult testing techniques are different.
For the test, in the event that the ears are functioning well, echoes will be produced in the part of the ear known as the cochlea. The sounds that result are sent to a computer for analysis. If the results are not clear enough, the test would have to be done once again or a different test performed. Failure of the first test may be attributed to unsettled state of the baby during the test, temporary ear blockage or presence of background noise.
The AABR test, known as automated auditory brain-stem response test involves placement of three minute sensors at the neck and head of the baby. Thereafter, headphones get placed over the ears then quiet sounds get played. Just like in most of the methods, the sounds are analyzed by the computer. The first two tests would not be ideal for older babies. There are special tests for them.
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.
The speech perception test is used to assess the ability of the child to recognize the words they can hear without necessarily seeing a person make lip movements. The words could be played via headphones or the person says them directly without showing him or her lip movements. The child is then expected to identify a word by choosing a matching picture or word from a list.
The testing technique used will mostly depend on the age of a child. Hearing tests are also done on grownups. Adult testing techniques are different.
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