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Audiology

Pediatric audiologists at Dell Children’s in Central Texas deliver care for infants and children with hearing loss.

Girl with cochlear implants playing with blocks.

Pediatric audiology at Dell Children's

Hearing loss can start anytime during childhood and can affect your child’s speech, language and social skills. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, start by talking with your child’s pediatrician. Your child’s doctor may recommend that you schedule an appointment with a pediatric audiologist at Dell Children’s, a part of Ascension Seton. Our pediatric audiologists diagnose and treat hearing loss and other hearing-related conditions in infants and children. And our care team is experienced in caring for children who have complex conditions and medical needs.

Newborn and infant hearing screenings

Mother and father hugging baby daughterIf your child receives a “fail” result on 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.

Diagnosing hearing loss

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:

  • Auditory brainstem response testing (ABR)
  • Behavioral audiometry
  • Extended high-frequency audiometry
  • Otoacoustic emissions testing
  • Tympanometry

Multidisciplinary care for your child

Sometimes, hearing loss can be caused by other health conditions. So, your child may have a team of specialists who work together to deliver the comprehensive care your child needs. Your child’s audiologist may work closely with pediatric specialists in ear, nose and throat (ENT) care, cancer care, craniofacial care and more.

Your child’s care plan may include:

  • Hearing aids
  • Speech and language therapy
  • Auditory verbal therapy
  • Coordination of complex care
  • Education and school plan
  • Counseling and family care

Hearing devices for children

There are many different types of hearing devices for children. Audiologists at The Hearing Center clinic locations work with you and your child to find the device that works best for your child.

When a child is diagnosed with hearing loss and needs a device to help them hear, the change can be challenging for your child and family. Your child’s 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.

Types of hearing devices for children include:

  • Behind-the-ear digital hearing aids
  • Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA)
  • Cochlear implant (CI)

Support for your child and family

Mother and daughter hugging.Your care team can connect you with resources in your child’s school and community. We also connect you with other families who have children with similar conditions and who can provide support, tips and information.

For all patients and families whose primary language is not English, we have Spanish language and American Sign Language interpreters to help. We also support patients and families who need help in other languages.