Did you know that a hearing screening is federally mandated at, or near, birth? Many children with hearing loss are born to parents with no history of hearing loss in their family, so it can be quite surprising when a baby refers on the newborn hearing screening! It is imperative that early screening be achieved to support your child’s learning journey.
If an infant does not pass the newborn hearing screening, comprehensive testing with a pediatric audiologist is the most appropriate next step. This assessment is completed while the baby is sleeping naturally and ranges in duration from 1-3 hours—we are operating on baby’s timeline and if they need to eat, change a diaper, be coddled, etc. This assessment, Auditory Brainstem Response, provides significant information regarding your baby’s hearing ability and you are counseled regarding the results at the time of testing.
Hearing screenings/assessments are often a requirement prior to pursuing therapies for children with speech and language, developmental delays, or neurodiverse diagnosis. Let’s not delay your child’s access to therapy due to inability to get a hearing assessment!
For families with infants, getting out the door for the first few months, if not longer, feels like you’re packing up the entire house! Ability to complete assessments in your home, where you are establishing a routine and all of baby’s familiar items are nearby can make the process smoother for caregiver and baby. Maybe there is familiar community space, midwifery clinic for example, that gets you out of the house for a little bit, without the anxiety of going to a “medical facility” for your newborn’s assessment. Let’s work together to determine an optimal location and time of day for your newborn’s hearing assessment.
As a tenured pediatric audiologist, and Mom, I’m aware that kiddos are often nervous in new environments with medical professionals. I am able to complete hearing assessments in various spaces that are most comfortable for your child—you know them best! Do they have a routine with their speech/physical/occupational therapist and testing would be less stressful at their familiar clinic? Do they enjoy the library or other collaborative space in the community? Maybe in the comfort of your home is best for your child and most convenient for your family dynamic.
0-100 miles is no additional cost
101-200 miles is an additional $100
201-300 miles is an additional $150
301-400 miles is an additional $200
401-500 miles is an additional $250
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