17:46
Newborn babies need to be screened for any potential problems in their hearing by using some two main tests. The first one is automated oto-acoustic emissions test, known as AOAE and takes a few minutes to complete. It can be done when the baby is in slumber. A minute earpiece is placed in the ears and quiet sounds that are clicking played through it. It is a type of hearing test Etobicoke residents can use.
With the AOAE test, if the ears of the child are working normally, echoes should be produced in the cochlea. The sounds are analyzed by the computer. There are times when the results are not vivid and they would have to be re-done or another test used. The first test may fail because maybe the baby was not settled during the time, presence of noise in the background or due to temporary ear blockage.
Another test is the automated auditory brainstem test, abbreviated as AABR. In this, there is placement of three sensors that are small on the head and neck of the child. Quiet sounds get played through soft headphones placed on the ears. Sound analysis is done by special computers. These two tests will not work for older babies.
In the course of visual reinforcement audiometry, VRA, the baby sits on the laps of the physician or the parent as sounds get played via speakers. Should the baby turn in the direction of sound a toy is lit up to act as reward. Loudness is varied to know the minimum sound that the baby can hear at every pitch. The test can also be done out using small earphones in the ears of the child so that every ear gets tested separately. It is used for kids between 6 months and 3 years old.
During pure tone audiometry, an instrument known as an audiometer is used for generation of sounds at frequencies and volumes that are varying. The generated sounds are played via headphones as the child is told to show response whenever they hear a sound. For instance, they may be told to press a button. The sound level is reduced to know the least sound the child can hear.
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 method will depend on age of the child. There are different tests for adults. Hearing tests are best done when children are young.
With the AOAE test, if the ears of the child are working normally, echoes should be produced in the cochlea. The sounds are analyzed by the computer. There are times when the results are not vivid and they would have to be re-done or another test used. The first test may fail because maybe the baby was not settled during the time, presence of noise in the background or due to temporary ear blockage.
Another test is the automated auditory brainstem test, abbreviated as AABR. In this, there is placement of three sensors that are small on the head and neck of the child. Quiet sounds get played through soft headphones placed on the ears. Sound analysis is done by special computers. These two tests will not work for older babies.
In the course of visual reinforcement audiometry, VRA, the baby sits on the laps of the physician or the parent as sounds get played via speakers. Should the baby turn in the direction of sound a toy is lit up to act as reward. Loudness is varied to know the minimum sound that the baby can hear at every pitch. The test can also be done out using small earphones in the ears of the child so that every ear gets tested separately. It is used for kids between 6 months and 3 years old.
During pure tone audiometry, an instrument known as an audiometer is used for generation of sounds at frequencies and volumes that are varying. The generated sounds are played via headphones as the child is told to show response whenever they hear a sound. For instance, they may be told to press a button. The sound level is reduced to know the least sound the child can hear.
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 method will depend on age of the child. There are different tests for adults. Hearing tests are best done when children are young.
About the Author:
When you need a hearing test Etobicoke residents can come to Alpha Hearing & Speech Rehab. For the latest information on our products and promotions, visit us online right now at http://www.alphahearingspeech.com
0 comments:
Post a Comment