Pediatric Audiology Services
Permanent hearing loss occurs more than any other condition screened for at birth. It does not discriminate and it affects the most basic human need - communication! Without quality communication a child is isolated from other human beings and from the exchange of knowledge essential for educational growth.
“Hearing” must be available before “listening” can be taught.”
For more than 30 years, Presbyterian Ear institute has been New Mexico’s Center for Excellence in hearing services for children. Our team of audiologists carries a combined 50 years of experience and looks forward to assisting your child with hearing evaluations, hearing aids and bone anchored hearing devices.
Comprehensive Hearing Evaluations
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) is a test for evaluating hearing in young children. VRA relies on behavioral conditioning to teach very young children to respond to sounds. The child sits either in a highchair or in the caregiver's lap and is taught to look toward a sound. The child is then rewarded with a video or an animated toy. It is designed for children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years.
Conditioned play audiometry (CPA) is a test for evaluating hearing in toddlers and preschools. The child plays a game while they are listening to different tones. The child learns to drop a block in a bucket or put a peg in a peg board when they hear a sound. It is designed for children between 2 and 5 years of age.
Conventional audiometry - This is a behavioral test to measure hearing sensitivity at different frequencies. Pure tones are presented through earphones to determine the softest levels that a patient can hear. The child either raises their hand when they hear a tone or they push a button when they hear a tone. This is designed for older children and adults.
Tympanometry - A test of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and middle ear system. A soft probe tip is placed into the ear canal and then a small amount of pressure is presented. This test checks the condition of the middle ear.
Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) - This test measures the cochlea’s (inner ear) response to sound. When sounds are presented to the ear, the cochlea produces a sound that mimics the sound that is delivered to the ear. The sound that the inner ear produces is referred to as an otoacoustic emission (OAE).
Hearing Aid Services
Hearing Aid Evaluations
The audiologist will review the results of your child’s hearing test. Based on your child’s hearing loss and age, the audiologist will recommend the most appropriate device for your child’s needs.
Hearing aid fittings and using Real Ear Measurements
The audiologist will program your child’s hearing aids according to their hearing loss in conjunction with the gold standard of Real Ear measurements.
Loaner Hearing Aids
We provide loaner hearing aids so that your child is never without sound.
Routine Adjustments
We recommend routine adjustments and evaluations to ensure your child’s achieving optimum benefit from their hearing aids.
Bone Anchored Hearing Device (BAHD) Services
- BAHD Consultation and device selection
- BAHD device fitting
- BAHD routine device adjustments
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