Testing Babies, Not Everyone Can Do It!

Testing babies and young children is a specialised area of audiology. There are several things that differentiate Paediatric Audiologists from the rest:

Paediatric Audiologists are trained in testing a range of ages from newborns to teenagers. The type of testing will vary depending on the age of the child and not all Audiologists are trained in these particular tests.
We are skilled in modifying our interactions depending on a child’s age to ensure we get reliable results.
We are very patient and flexible! We understand that sometimes babies are hungry, crying, or have upset tummies. We have longer appointment times to factor all this in!
Our clinic environment is colorful, warm and baby friendly
We have a panel of Audiolgists to look after your child’s needs. Testing babies and toddlers has its challenges from time to time but with over 33 years of combined experience and skill we can provide accurate results and family-centered recommendations.

What every parent should know about some hearing loss risk factors in early childhood

There are various causes of hearing loss during early childhood.

Some are genetic – meaning it is inherited from their parents and may be present at birth or develop in the early years.

Some are acquired – meaning it can occur after the childbirth such as an infection, virus or exposure to loud noise.

Below is a table that summarises some hearing loss risk factors during early childhood that we believe every parent should know about.

	What is it?	Who is at risk?	How is it transmitted?	How can your reduce the risk?
CMV	Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common virus for people of all ages. Congenital CMV is the leading cause of permanent hearing loss in childhood, occurring in 10-15% of all infected children (1). It may be present at birth or occur within the first few years of life.	People who are regularly around young children (i.e. parents) because they are a common source of CMV. Pregnant women need to be cautious.	CMV needs to be active in the person’s body for the virus to pass from person to person through body fluids such as breast milk, salvia, urine, and blood. A pregnant woman with active CMV can pass the virus to her unborn baby.	Minimize contact with saliva and urine from babies and young children. Do not share food or utensils. Wash hands after eating, using the toilet, and changing nappies. Clean surfaces and toys.
Otitis Media	It is the presence of fluid in the middle part of the ear. The fluid usually resolves on its own but in some cases, treatment may be required. If the fluid does not resolve it can cause a temporary hearing loss. The following symptoms may present: • Full or blocked sensation in the ears • Sleep disturbance • Loss of appetite • Sounds may be muffled • Sore or pain in the ear/s • A ringing sound may be heard (tinnitus) • Balance issues	Otitis Media is a commonly diagnosed disease in young children. By age 3, around 80% of children have experienced at least one episode of otitis media. Babies and young children are prone to otitis media because the Eustachian tube is still developing.	The Eustachian tube plays an important role in draining fluid from the middle ear. The Eustachian tube connects from the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. When the Eustachian type tube becomes blocked or inflamed, it can cause mucus or fluid to build-up in the middle ear. This is often caused by colds, sinus infections or allergies.	Encourage nose blowing to strengthen the Eustachian tube. Encourage blowing bubbles for younger children. Address any allergies or hayfever. Encourage good hygiene. Have a healthy diet.
Meningitis	Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord caused by bacteria or a viral infection. Hearing loss is the most common complication from bacterial meningitis. Approximately 10% of children with meningitis will develop some degree of permanent hearing loss (6).	Anyone can get meningitis at any time. However, babies and young children are at a higher risk of developing meningitis.	Some viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious. It can be transmitted from person to person through coughing, sneezing and living in close contact with an infected person. The virus or bacteria spreads throughout the body until it reaches the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.	Wash your hands before and after eating, changing nappies, and after seeing someone who is ill Don’t share utensils and plates Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Noise Exposure	Exposure to louds sounds can damage the structure of the inner ear and cause a hearing loss. This is called “noise-induced hearing loss Hearing loss may be present straight after exposure to loud sounds or develop later. It may be permanent or temporary. Hearing difficulties is the main symptom. Your child may experience the following: difficulty hearing soft sounds, normal conversation is unclear or needs repeating, ringing or buzzing sounds are heard (tinnitus)	Anyone can get “Noise Induced Hearing Loss”. With continued exposure to loud sounds over a prolonged period it is likely to increase the risk of permanent and progressively worse hearing loss.	It can occur from a single occurrence from an extremely loud sound such as an explosion or jet engine, or more commonly from exposure to loud sounds over a long period such as personal entertainment devices or power garden tools (8).	Keep your child away from loud noises. Reduce the duration of exposure to recreational sounds Be aware of loud noises in your environment. Turn the volume down on loud sources of noise. Place earmuffs or earplugs on your child when loud noises are unavoidable.

References

Testing Babies, Not Everyone Can Do It!

What every parent should know about some hearing loss risk factors in early childhood

The Challenges of Testing Toddlers

Why Toddlers Should Have a Hearing Test?