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.
Top Related