Every parent knows that getting kids ready to do just about anything can feel like an impossible juggling act—and this fact extends into hearing testing. When you prepare your kid for their first hearing test, it’s helpful to know what will happen so you can better explain it to your little ones. Let’s take a look at how a hearing test works and a few tips to prepare your kids beforehand.
Why Is Childhood Hearing Testing Important?
Approximately 34 million children worldwide present with hearing loss greater than 35 dB. Untreated hearing loss can affect a child’s social and speech development and potentially hold them back in school. Because the side effects are wide-ranging, catching hearing loss early is essential.
Most infants undergo hearing screening before they leave the hospital after birth. While infant hearing screening can catch congenital hearing loss (hearing loss present at birth), your child can develop hearing loss over time through acquired causes like illness or noise exposure. If you notice your child exhibiting signs of hearing loss (not responding to their name, struggling socially etc.), you should schedule a hearing test as soon as possible.
How Does Hearing Testing Work?
During pure tone hearing testing, your child will wear headphones and listen to tones at different pitches and volumes. When they hear a sound, they will press a button. Their audiologist will chart the responses on an audiogram—a graph used to identify hearing loss. Though tests vary, the process shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes.
How To Get Your Child Ready for Their Test
Many children feel anxious about going to the doctor, but you can help ease their fears and prepare them for their hearing test with a few simple steps:
- Explain the testing process in a way they can understand
- Answer any questions they have and try to stress that the test is as simple as listening to their favorite music
- Offer small post-testing rewards like a trip to the park or a Creamistry ice cream cone to reduce stress
You know your child best. By addressing their concerns and being transparent about the hearing test, you can help make the experience less intimidating. To schedule a hearing test for your child, contact Torrance Audiology today.