According to global and national hearing-care data, at least 2 to 3 infants per 1,000 live births experience some form of detectable hearing loss. Many others may develop hearing problems later due to infections, genetics, or trauma. Unfortunately, hearing loss in young children often goes unnoticed because they may not express symptoms clearly.
Early hearing screening allows medical teams to:
- Detect congenital or early-onset hearing loss.
- Identify conductive or sensorineural issues.
- Begin treatment well before speech or learning delays develop.
- Monitor how interventions (like hearing aids or cochlear implants) are performing.
A child’s brain develops rapidly during the first three years of life, forming neural connections essential for language acquisition. Missing acoustic input during these formative years can lead to irreversible communication challenges later on.
Thus, every new-born and child at risk should undergo comprehensive Paediatric hearing tests as recommended by healthcare professionals.
Hearing loss in children may result from multiple factors, ranging from genetic predispositions to external infections or injuries. Some common causes include:
- Genetic factors: Around half of congenital hearing losses are hereditary.
- Premature birth and neonatal complications: Low birth weight, jaundice, and exposure to ototoxic drugs can affect hearing.
- Middle ear infections (otitis media): Recurrent infections can cause fluid accumulation, temporarily reducing hearing clarity.
- Noise exposure: Modern urban soundscapes, especially in older children, can lead to temporary or permanent hearing threshold shifts.
- Illnesses and high fevers: Measles, meningitis, and mumps can damage auditory pathways.
- Trauma: Head injuries sometimes impact inner ear structures.
Recognizing these factors helps parents remain proactive in scheduling child hearing tests and monitoring their child’s listening and speech behaviors.
The methods for Paediatric hearing assessment vary depending on the child’s age, developmental stage, and cooperation level. Audiologists use objective and behavior-based tests to ensure accurate diagnosis.
1. New-born Hearing Screening
Conducted within the first few days after birth, this screening uses automated methods like:
- Otoacoustic Emission (OAE): Measures echoes generated by the cochlea when sound is introduced.
- Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR): Evaluates how auditory nerves and the brainstem respond to click stimuli.
Both are painless, quick, and done while the baby sleeps.
2. Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
Ideal for children aged 6 months to 2 years, this test pairs sounds with engaging visual rewards (like animated toys). When the child turns toward a sound, visual reinforcement encourages consistent responses.
3. Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA)
Between 2 and 5 years, children can participate in playful listening tasks—such as dropping a block in a bucket when they hear a tone. It offers accurate threshold results through gamified cooperation.
4. Pure Tone and Speech Audiometry
For school-aged children, the test involves listening to tones and repeating speech words via headphones. It determines hearing thresholds and speech discrimination abilities.
5. Tympanometry and Acoustic Reflex
These additional evaluations examine eardrum movement and middle ear function—helpful in diagnosing conductive hearing issues like fluid buildup or eustachian tube dysfunction.
Through a combination of these Paediatric audiological tests, professionals can map out a child’s hearing profile and decide on suitable interventions.
Paediatric audiologists specialize not only in testing techniques but also in interpreting results within the context of a child’s developmental milestones. At CC Saha Ltd., our audiologists employ child-friendly communication, behavior management strategies, and scientifically validated testing tools.
They collaborate closely with ENT specialists, speech therapists, and Paediatricians to deliver comprehensive hearing care solutions—from diagnosis to long-term management. For children diagnosed with hearing impairment, personalized rehabilitation plans are created involving hearing aids, cochlear implantation (if necessary), auditory training, and parental guidance.
