What type of equipment is used for pediatric hearing tests?

Pediatric hearing tests can use several types of specialized equipment to evaluate how well a child hears. The equipment used depends on factors such as the child’s age, development, ability to respond to sounds, and the type of hearing concern being investigated.

Common equipment used during pediatric hearing assessments may include:

• Pure-tone audiometers: These produce sounds at different pitches and volumes to determine the quietest sounds a child can hear.
• Tympanometry or middle ear testing equipment: These tests evaluate how the eardrum and middle ear are functioning and can help identify issues such as fluid or pressure behind the eardrum.
• Otoacoustic emission (OAE) equipment: OAE testing measures sounds produced by the inner ear in response to stimulation. It does not require the child to provide a behavioural response.
• Headphones or insert earphones: Age-appropriate headphones or earphones can deliver sounds individually to each ear during testing.
• Sound-field speakers: For some younger children, sounds may be presented through speakers rather than headphones as part of an age-appropriate hearing assessment.

Not every pediatric hearing test will use all of this equipment. The testing method should be selected based on the child’s individual needs and ability to participate.

Melody Hearing Clinic offers hearing testing services. Contact our team to learn more about available hearing assessments and whether our services are appropriate for your child’s age and hearing needs.