Research and advancement in technology has resulted in various tests that have been devised to detect hearing problems in children. Nowadays, infants are routinely screened for impending hearing loss even before they leave the hospital.
There are various tests that can be administered on children to assess hearing ability or hearing problems. Very young infants can be tested either behaviorally or electro-physically.
Behavior Observation Assessment (BOA) is a test conducted by an audiologist who is specially trained to detect bodily reactions to sound such as cessation of activity, body movement, eye widening, eye opening, or a change in sucking rate.
The Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is an electro-physiologic test. Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) testing is another test to help assess hearing. Both the above mentioned test can be performed on a sleeping infant and do not require an active response from the child.
Older children are better able to respond to sound. Often sounds ranging from low pitch to high pitch tones are used for testing. Turning toward the sound source is reinforced with a lighted toy. This is known as Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA). This test is quite accurate in determining hearing levels.
Few other important tests used for screening hearing loss are
Tympanometry, also known as Acoustic Immittance Testing is an important test to assess problems with the middle ear and other related areas. This test is used to measure the movement of the ear drum.
Acoustic reflexes are tested and measured to determine the middle ear functioning. This can also be used to diagnose hearing loss in children or identify other otologic problems.
