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Pediatric Audiology
Hearing loss in children requires specialized care and early intervention for optimal development. At Hearing & Balance Solutions in Charlotte, NC, we provide comprehensive pediatric audiology services to diagnose and treat hearing issues in children of all ages. Our gentle approach and child-friendly environment help make the testing process comfortable for young patients while providing parents with the guidance and support they need.
How Our Pediatric Audiology Service Works
Comprehensive Evaluation and History
We begin by gathering information about your child's developmental history, any risk factors for hearing loss, and your concerns about their hearing or language development. For newborns and infants, we review birth history and newborn hearing screening results. For older children, we discuss school performance and social interactions.
Age-Appropriate Hearing Assessment
Using specialized testing methods suited to your child's age and developmental level, we evaluate their hearing abilities. For very young children, this may include observational responses to sounds, while older children can participate in more interactive testing similar to adult hearing assessments, all conducted in a supportive, engaging manner.
Results Discussion and Intervention Planning
After completing the assessment, we explain the results in clear, understandable terms and discuss what they mean for your child's development. If hearing loss is identified, we develop an intervention plan that may include hearing aids, communication strategies, coordination with speech-language therapists, and ongoing monitoring of hearing status.
Understanding Childhood Hearing Loss
Hearing plays a crucial role in a child's language development, learning abilities, and social skills. According to statistics, 5 out of every 1,000 infants have some degree of hearing loss, and 32 million people under age 15 worldwide experience hearing impairment. Without early identification and intervention, children with hearing loss can face significant delays in speech, language, academic achievement, and social development.
Research shows that children identified with hearing loss before 6 months of age who receive appropriate intervention can develop language skills comparable to their peers with normal hearing. This makes early detection and proper management essential for a child's overall development and future success.
Age-appropriate testing methods for accurate results
Early identification of hearing issues for optimal intervention
Expert guidance for parents on communication strategies
Coordinated care with other specialists when needed
Benefits of Pediatric Audiology Services
Children are not simply small adults when it comes to hearing assessment and treatment. They require specialized testing approaches, age-appropriate counseling, and family-centered care that addresses the unique needs of growing and developing young people. Our pediatric audiology services are specifically designed to meet these specialized needs.
Schedule Your Child's Hearing Evaluation
At Hearing & Balance Solutions, Dr. Gosu has extensive experience working with children of all ages. We understand that bringing your child for hearing testing may feel overwhelming, which is why we create a supportive, positive environment where both you and your child feel comfortable throughout the process.
Whether you have concerns about your child's hearing, your child failed a school hearing screening, or you simply want to establish a baseline of their hearing abilities, our comprehensive pediatric audiology services provide the answers and guidance you need to support your child's hearing health and development. Contact us today at (704) 912-4422 to schedule your child's hearing evaluation at our South Park location. Take this important step toward ensuring your child has the best foundation for communication, learning, and social development.
Hearing can be evaluated at any age, including newborns. The testing methods vary based on the child's age and developmental level. Even a one-day-old infant can have their hearing assessed using objective measures that don't require active participation from the child.
Signs vary by age but may include not startling to loud sounds (infants), delayed speech development, saying "what?" frequently, turning up the TV volume, not responding when called, struggling in school, or complaining that people are mumbling. Any concerns about your child's hearing or language development warrant an evaluation.
Childhood hearing loss can have many causes, including genetic factors (accounting for about 50% of cases), complications during pregnancy or birth, certain medications, infections like meningitis or chronic ear infections, exposure to loud noise, or head trauma. Sometimes, the cause cannot be definitively determined.
If hearing aids are recommended, we provide comprehensive training for both parents and children (as age-appropriate) on insertion, removal, daily care, and troubleshooting. We work closely with families to establish consistent wearing habits and provide ongoing support as your child grows and their needs change.
Children with hearing loss typically need more frequent monitoring than adults because their hearing status can change, and their amplification needs evolve as they grow and develop. Generally, we recommend evaluations every 3-6 months for very young children and those newly identified with hearing loss, extending to annual visits as appropriate.
It depends on the type and cause of hearing loss. Temporary hearing loss caused by fluid in the middle ear may resolve with medical treatment or as a child grows. However, permanent types of hearing loss (sensorineural) will not be outgrown. Our regular monitoring helps track any changes in your child's hearing status over time.
