Pediatric audiology in Indiana
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 at Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our pediatric audiologists have the expertise to diagnose and treat hearing loss and other hearing-related conditions in infants and children.
Your child’s doctor starts by having a conversation with you. Tell us your concerns and ask us your questions – big and small. Your child’s doctor may start by recommending a series of hearing tests to help diagnose your child’s hearing condition. Our goal is to deliver the earliest possible detection and treatment to help your child hear. Pediatric hearing tests include:
Auditory brainstem evolved response (ABR) testing: This hearing test looks for a specific pattern of brainwaves to detect the softest level of sound a child can hear. This is the test that is completed for children who have failed their newborn hearing screening or who are unable to complete behavioral testing.
Behavioral audiometry: This test is used to detect the softest level of sound a child can hear across different frequencies and to speech. The method of testing may vary depending on the child's age and abilities.
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.
Otoacoustic emissions testing: This is a hearing test used to measure how well the inner ear, known as the cochlea, is working.
Tympanometry: This hearing test measures how well the middle ear, known as the tympanic membrane, is working.
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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:
Behind-the-ear digital hearing aids: Digital hearing aids are commonly recommended for many types of hearing loss.
Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA): This is a hearing aid that is surgically implanted to help partially restore hearing.
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.
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Helping your child adjust to hearing aids
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.
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.
Get a second opinion from a pediatric hearing specialist
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your child’s doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. We can review your child’s medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When your child is experiencing hearing loss, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic treatments and hearing aid options, including surgical implants. Our team of highly experienced pediatric specialists can provide you with a second opinion, based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your child’s appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your child’s medical records from their doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
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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 a child is never without sound.
Financial assistance
We can connect you with resources and programs that may be able to help your family with options for financial assistance. Our financial counseling team is here to listen to your concerns and work with you to help find options that meet your needs. Your care team can connect you to a financial counselor.
Refer a patient to a pediatric specialist
Your patients and their families can expect compassionate, personalized care from the moment our specialists connect with them. Our pediatric specialists start by listening to fully understand their needs and develop an individualized care plan. To make a referral, please call 317-338-6815.
