Pediatrics

Our Family.  Caring for Yours.

Pediatric Audiology Services

How do We Evaluate Infants & Children?

You’ve been told that your child needs to have their hearing checked.  This can be a scary time especially if your baby is just a few days old.  We understand how you’re feeling and rest assured we’ll promise to answer all your questions and to make sure your visit with us is as stress free as possible.

Regardless of yourchild’s age, there are safe, effective and accurate tests that can be used to determine how well your child hears.

Otoacoustic Emissions Testing (OAE)

(OAE) screening allows hearing testing within the first days of life. Newborn screening is simple and painless, and could make a significant difference to a child’s future.  OAE screening procedures for newborns and infants do not require the baby to respond. A miniature earphone and microphone are placed in the ear, sounds are played and a response is measured.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

Once a child reaches the age of 6-7 months to 2+ years old, sounds are presented through a speaker or headphone. The child is trained to look toward the sound.  As children mature they may be asked to point to pictures in a book, body parts, i.e. eyes, ears, nose, fingers, or objects in the room.

 

 

Pediatric FAQ

How many babies are born with hearing loss?

In the United States, approximately 3 of 1,000 babies are born with hearing loss.

How prevalent are ear infections in children ?

Five out of 6 children experience ear infection (otitis media) by the time they are 3 years old

What is the most important time period for the development of speech?

The most important period for language and speech development is generally regarded as the first 3 years of life. It is important that hearing impairment be recognized as early in life as possible so that the child can enjoy normal social development.

What percentage of newborns in the US are screened for hearing loss?

In 2014, data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that over 97% of newborns in the United States were screened for hearing loss

What causes 50% - 60% of hearing loss at birth?

Genes are responsible for hearing loss among 50% to 60% of children with hearing loss. About 20% of babies with genetic hearing loss have a “syndrome” (for example, Down syndrome or Usher syndrome).

What is a preventable risk factor hearing loss in children?

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during pregnancy is a preventable risk factor for hearing loss among children.

  • 14% of those exposed to CMV during pregnancy develop sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) of some type.
  • About 3% to 5% of those exposed to CMV during pregnancy develop bilateral moderate-to-profound SNHL.
  • A 2005 HealthStyles survey by CDC found that only 14% of female respondents had heard of CMV.

Vendors for Our Little Ones

Hearing Aids for Infants & Children

 

Phonak & Lyric Hearing Aids

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Phonak & Lyric Hearing Aids

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additional services

Auditory Processing Disorders (APD)

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Prevalence of APD

It is estimated that Auditory Processing Disorders are present in 3% to 5% of the population.

Auditory Processing THerapy

Fast ForWard

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Auditory Processing Therapy

CAPDOTS

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West Newton Hearing Center

Get In Touch

We'd love to set up a consultation for you or answer any questions you may have. 

991 Watertown Street West Newton, MA 02465

M-T: 8:00AM - 5:00PM, W-Th: 9:00AM - 5:00PM F: 9:00AM - 4:30PM

Walk-In Hours: 11:00AM - 12:00PM daily*

Our walk-in hours are for clients who would like their hearing aids cleaned or if their hearing aid is not working. More extensive work like Bluetooth pairings and reprogramming will still require an appointment. *Walk-in hours are not for Lyric hearing aid wearers.
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