Pediatric audiology at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital
Hearing loss can start anytime during childhood and can affect your child’s speech, language and social skills. If you think your child may have hearing loss, talk with a pediatric audiologist at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis. Our pediatric audiologists have the expertise to diagnose and treat hearing loss and other hearing-related conditions in infants and children.
Newborn and infant hearing screenings
If your child does not pass their newborn hearing screening, it does not mean they have hearing loss. Start by talking with your child’s pediatrician. There are other things that can affect your baby’s results, such as fluid in their ears or a noisy room while testing. But if your child receives a “fail” result, it may be important to get further testing by a pediatric audiologist. Your pediatric audiologist can perform additional hearing tests to determine your child’s level of hearing. And if hearing loss is detected, we work with you to create a care plan that helps manage your child's hearing.
Advanced diagnostics for hearing loss in children
Your child’s audiologist starts by having a conversation with you and may recommend a series of hearing tests and imaging, such as MRI, to help diagnose your child’s hearing condition. Pediatric hearing tests can help your child’s doctor determine the right treatment for your child. Our goal is to deliver the earliest possible diagnosis and treatment to help your child hear and communicate. Your child’s doctor will explain the diagnosis and discuss a care plan that’s right for your child. Tests may include:
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Auditory brainstem response testing
This test looks for a specific pattern of brainwaves to detect the softest level of sound a child’s brain can respond to. The results help predict your child’s hearing. This is the test that is completed for children who have a “fail” result on their newborn hearing test. It can also be used for children who are not able to communicate (nonverbal) or physically respond to sounds. And, if your child needs to be sedated for their test, we provide sedated tests at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital.
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Behavioral audiometry
Behavioral audiometry means assessing a child's ability to hear sounds of different tones at different loudness levels. The method of testing may vary depending on the child's age and abilities.
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Extended high-frequency audiometry
This is a test used to monitor the hearing of children who have been exposed to ototoxic medications (medications that can damage the ear), such as chemotherapy.
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Otoacoustic emissions testing
This is a hearing test used to measure how well the inner ear, known as the cochlea, is working.
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Tympanometry
This hearing test measures how well the middle ear, known as the tympanic membrane, is working.
Advanced hearing care for children
There are many different types of hearing devices for children. Your child’s doctor works with you and your child to find the device that works best for your child. Types of hearing aids used for children include:
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Behind-the-ear digital hearing aids
Digital hearing aids are commonly recommended for many types of hearing loss.
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Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA)
This is a hearing aid that is surgically implanted to help partially restore hearing.
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Cochlear Implant (CI)
A cochlear implant is a small, electronic device that is surgically implanted and can help partially restore hearing. Unlike a hearing aid, which amplifies sounds, a cochlear implant delivers signals to the cochlear nerve. This device may be used for children with severe hearing loss or when other hearing devices are not working.
When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss and needs a device to help them hear, it can be an adjustment for your child and family. Your child’s care team is here to support you along the way. Your care team takes the time to explain how to use and clean your child’s hearing device. We also help your family understand how to help your child adjust to wearing a hearing aid.
Connected to pediatric speech therapy
If your child is experiencing speech and language delays due to their hearing loss, we connect you with specialists in speech-language pathology (speech therapy) at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. Speech therapists help your child so that they can communicate with those around them. Your child’s care team works together to deliver care that’s right for your child.
Loaner hearing aid program
The loaner hearing aid program at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital helps families navigate the financial challenges that may come with needing a hearing aid. We offer hearing aids for children to use as a three-month trial. Children may also borrow a hearing aid while theirs is being cleaned or repaired, so that your child doesn't have to go without hearing aids.