Audiology and Deaf Studies

Pediatric Audiology

Submit Abstract Register Now

The field of pediatric otolaryngology has undergone significant changes over the past two decades. Many societies and associations are providing audiological service for the pediatric population. Newborn screening is completed before a baby is 1 month of age. If a baby does not pass the newborn screening, the next step is Diagnostic Audiology. The initial diagnostic tests must be completed as soon as possible so that any potential hearing loss can be diagnosed before 3 months of age. A baby identified with a hearing loss should undergo hearing aid services-selection and fit with hearing aids and enrolled in an early intervention program well before 6 months of age. The diagnostic Verification and validation is performed by a pediatric audiologist. The tinnitus maskers conferences and audiologist performs a series of tests, described below, to determine if a hearing loss exists, and, if so, the type (part of the auditory system affected), degree (how much hearing loss exists) and configuration (frequencies or pitches that are affected) of the loss.