About three in every 100 children under the age of 18 experience some degree of hearing loss. Both hearing and speech are essential for children to learn, play and develop social skills, as they learn to communicate by imitating the sounds they hear. An undetected, untreated hearing loss can result in delayed speech or language development, social problems and academic difficulties. This is why we are passionate about paediatric audiology.
Dr Tami Mehl Audiology offers a wide range of age-appropriate testing for newborns, infants, toddlers and school-age children, so a child can never be too young to be tested.
Tami Mehl Audiology offers a wide range of age-appropriate testing and evaluation services for newborns, infants, toddlers, school-age children and adolescents.
For babies of 6 months or older, we use a mix of electrophysiological and behavioural testing to detect hearing loss. The behavioural testing used is similar to that of a standard test battery, with modifications
FAQs
About three in every 100 children under 18 experience some degree of hearing loss. Hearing is essential for learning speech, language and social skills. An undetected hearing loss can lead to delayed speech and language, social difficulties and academic problems. Early identification and management make a real difference.
We use age-appropriate methods. For babies, we use OAE and ABR, which don't need a behavioural response. For infants and toddlers we use Visual Reinforcement Audiometry, and for young toddlers and pre-schoolers we use Conditioned Play Audiometry, which turns listening into a game.
A child's hearing can be tested at any age, including from birth. Newborns can be screened with OAE within hours of delivery, and there are reliable, age-appropriate tests for every stage. You should never feel your child is too young to be tested.
Childhood hearing loss is either congenital or acquired. Congenital causes include infections during pregnancy, certain medications, birth complications and genetic syndromes. Acquired causes include untreated middle-ear infections, illnesses such as meningitis or mumps, eardrum perforation, excessive noise and head injury. Many cases in young children are temporary and treatable.
Warning signs may include not startling at loud sounds as a baby, delayed or unclear speech, not responding when called, turning up the TV, struggling to follow instructions, or difficulties at school. Frequent ear infections are also worth watching. If you have any doubts, please book an assessment.
