Peninsula Hearing Center (619) 569-1937 San Diego, CA (858) 768-0454 La Jolla, CA

Hearing Screenings for all Age Groups

Hearing screenings are available for all age

groups. Screenings are fairly quick, and serve to

reduce the need for full hearing evaluation and to

identify hearing loss as early as possible. In

many areas, these screenings are available to

newborn infants! Older children and adults may

be able to get a screening through the school

systems, physician’s offices, and local health

fairs.

Newborns and infants

Many hospitals screen hearing of newborns during the hospital

stay following birth. Screening is easy, quick, and painless. While

the child is resting or sleeping, a very quick screening procedure

(Otoacoustic emissions screening and/or auditory brainstem

response [ABR] screening) is completed. Using these screening

measures, hearing loss of 30 decibels (dB) or greater in the

speech range (from 500-4000 Hertz [Hz]).

At this age, failing a screening does not provide a definitive

diagnosis of hearing loss. Fluid from the womb or middle ear fluid

may be present, creating a false fail during the screening. A

second screening may be performed before the child is

discharged from the hospital or a follow-up with an audiologist in

the area may be scheduled to confirm any screening results.

If a follow-up with a pediatric or general audiologist is scheduled,

a more thorough hearing evaluation may be completed.

Peninsula Hearing Center (619) 569-1937 San Diego, CA (858) 768-0454 La Jolla, CA

Depending on the outcome of initial tests, this evaluation can

take a much longer time to complete. Results should be more

thorough, but failed tests may still not mean permanent hearing

impairment. Follow-up appointments will be made to continue

this process until a definitive diagnosis can be made.

Screening of infants is extremely important for early identification

of hearing loss. Without early screenings, hearing loss may not be

detected until after age 1. The later the hearing loss is diagnosed

and managed, the greater the likelihood of delayed speech and

language development. Delayed speech and language can, in

turn, impede academic abilities in school-age children.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) covers

appropriate screening and identification of hearing loss. If you are

interested in a screening, contact your local public school system

or health department. Free screenings and services may be

available to your child.

Hearing loss does not always occur in infancy or young childhood.

It can occur later in life. Not all who have hearing loss were born

with hearing loss. If there are concerns for you or a loved one

regarding hearing, do not hesitate to request a screening or

evaluation from a physician, audiologist, or hearing instrument

specialist.

Children and Adults

Older children and adults typically encounter screenings during

public health testing (e.g., school screenings, physician’s office,

health fairs, senior centers). Initial screening is completed with a

pure-tone evaluation of 25-30 dB from 500-4000 Hz.

Peninsula Hearing Center (619) 569-1937 San Diego, CA (858) 768-0454 La Jolla, CA

If a screening is failed, the individual will be recommended to

complete a more thorough hearing evaluation to confirm findings.

Some individuals and websites advertize their ability to test your

hearing via a website interactive plug-in or by phone. It is difficult

to screen hearing ability in these situations, and not advisable

over an actual hearing screening performed by qualified

individuals.

Call us today or visit our website or watch our videos on YouTube.