Pediatric Audiology in Houston, TX

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When most people think of hearing loss, they usually picture someone older. However, hearing loss can occur in children as well. The seriousness of the loss can range from mild to extreme. Because language and speech skills are affected by any degree of hearing loss, diagnosis and treatment should occur as soon as possible- early intervention is key.

Memorial Hearing offers a comprehensive program of professional hearing services at our audiology office in Houston, TX.

Why Choose Us as Your Pediatric Audiologist?

Memorial Hearing is a service-oriented practice. We treat you the way we would want to be treated, providing personal attention to your individual hearing needs. We offer various levels of services to keep your hearing at its best for years to come.

Memorial Hearing has helped hundreds of patients lead more fulfilling lives by fine-tuning their hearing aids with great care and precision. We have served the greater Houston area since 2009. Once you have told us your history and your personal expectations with regard to your hearing, we provide you with detailed advice on the most appropriate products to meet your requirements.

What to Expect at Your Pediatric Audiology Appointment

The first step will be to ask you about any symptoms you have noticed or particular concerns that caused you to come in the first place. These general questions can offer your Houston audiologist insight into what might be going on, after which you will be told about the different types of testing that are recommended.

Children’s Hearing Loss FAQ’s

What is Pediatric Audiology?

Pediatric audiology is the diagnosis and treatment of hearing and sound recognition problems in infants and young children. Hearing disorders may only become apparent as a child grows and their expected command of language and sound recognition increases. At Memorial Hearing, we see children ages 5 and up at this time and will be expanding in order to accommodate younger patients in the near future.

What are the Causes of Hearing Loss in Children?Happy Customer - Memorial Hearing in Houston, TX

Hearing loss in children can occur at birth or when the child is older.

Some causes of hearing loss at birth include:

  • Genetic factors
  • Lack of oxygen during labor
  • Prematurity
  • Intrauterine infections such as cytomegalovirus, rubella, and herpes simplex virus
  • Maternal diabetes
  • Toxemia during pregnancy

If a child acquires hearing loss after birth, some causes include:

  • Frequent ear infections
  • Measles, mumps, meningitis, encephalitis, or chickenpox
  • Second-hand smoke exposure
  • Head injury
  • Excessive noise exposure
  • Ototoxic drugs

How to Screen for Child Hearing Loss?

Hearing loss screening can begin with newborns. Within the first two days of life, the infant’s hearing ability is tested. Another screening is scheduled if the newborn does not pass the initial one.

As a child grows, parents are often the best screeners, as they are around the child and can usually tell if something is not right. Pay attention to hearing objectives, and visit a pediatric audiologist if a baby or child does not seem to be developing properly, so that hearing loss can be ruled out, or intervention can begin.

What are the Treatment Options for Child Hearing Loss?

At Memorial Hearing, we can help you determine how severe the loss ofChild receiving a pediatric hearing exam in Houston, TX from Memorial Hearing hearing is, and this helps determine the type of treatment. One option is using technology in the form of hearing aids, of which we work with children ages 5 and up. Other options that can be referred out include cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing aids. A hearing aid is effective for the majority of children with hearing loss. An implant may be better for severe loss, and a bone-anchored hearing aid is suitable for those who cannot wear traditional hearing aids.

Assistive devices are also used to help children. Examples of these include closed captioning, FM systems, text messaging, flashing alarms, telephone amplifiers, infrared listening devices, and portable sound amplifiers.

Medication given by an Ear, Nose, and Throat physician may help treat hearing loss that is caused by certain infections or fluid buildup. Surgery by an ENT, such as ear tubes, may also be a treatment option.

If the child is older, and the hearing loss has begun to affect how he or she speaks, additional help in the form of speech therapy may be necessary. Parents should also seek support in the form of advice, finding childcare, or just someone to listen to.

What are the Indicators of Child Hearing Loss?

The indicators of child hearing loss are in many ways similar to those of an adult, though they may be less likely to recognize the issue, so you should look out for them. Indicators that can reveal a problem are your child speaking at too high a volume without the intent to do so, problems withholding attention, and being unresponsive to verbal commands or directions. Another clue is when the child only responds to you when you are facing each other directly.

 

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