Can a baby’s hearing ability be tested?Yes. Children’s Hospital Los Angeles offers two types of hearing tests for babies, otoacoustic emission (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR). These tests do not require a response from the baby to assess his or her hearing ability. What can I do to prepare my child for a hearing test?If your child is undergoing ABR or sleep testing, you will receive feeding and sleep deprivation instructions when you call to make an appointment. It is very important to follow these instructions in order for your child to be accurately tested. If your child is scheduled for a regular hearing test, have him or her practice wearing headphones and listening to music. This preparation will help make testing easier. If I use sign language with my child, who has hearing capabilities, will his or her speech be delayed?No. Parents can accelerate language development and reading through the use of sign language, whether their child does or does not have hearing loss. My child is deaf. Can he or she receive a cochlear implant?Children’s Hospital Los Angeles can refer you to a team for an evaluation to see if your child is an appropriate candidate. The decision to get a cochlear implant depends on many factors, including family interest, the degree of hearing loss, the developmental status and general health of the child and the success the child has with use of a hearing aid. The evaluation process involves hearing and MRI testing as well as visits with specialists in Otolaryngology, Speech and Psychology. |