Pediatric Hearing Services SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts
Hearing plays a critical role in a child’s speech, language, and cognitive development. Even mild hearing loss can impact a child’s ability to communicate, learn, and engage with the world around them. If your child struggles to respond to sounds, has delayed speech, or frequently asks for repetition, a pediatric hearing test can provide valuable insight into their hearing health. Early detection of hearing issues allows for timely intervention, ensuring your child reaches important developmental milestones.
At Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), we specialize in comprehensive pediatric hearing assessments using the latest diagnostic techniques. Our expert team of audiologists and ENT specialists is trained in evaluating hearing at all stages of childhood, from infants to school-aged children. We create a welcoming, child-friendly environment that makes testing comfortable, engaging, and stress-free. We’re here to help with precise evaluations and expert guidance if you're concerned about your child's hearing.
A pediatric hearing test evaluates a child's ability to hear and process sounds using specialized, age-appropriate testing methods. Since infants and young children may not be able to communicate their hearing difficulties, our skilled audiologists use behavioral and objective testing techniques to assess their hearing function.
At SoCal ENT, we provide a comprehensive range of pediatric hearing tests designed to accurately diagnose hearing concerns in infants, toddlers, and young children. These evaluations help detect hearing loss, auditory processing issues, and middle ear conditions, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
Used for infants up to 7 months old, this test observes a baby’s natural reactions to sound, such as blinking, sucking, or startling.
For babies and toddlers, this test presents sounds through headphones while rewarding the child with a visual stimulus (such as a light or animated toy) when they respond to the sound.
For preschoolers and young children, this interactive test turns hearing evaluation into a game, such as placing a toy in a bucket every time they hear a sound.
For older children, a more traditional hearing test is used, where the child wears headphones and responds when they hear tones at different frequencies.
Each of these tests is designed to be gentle, engaging, and effective, ensuring we get the most accurate results while keeping your child comfortable.
Pediatric hearing tests help identify a range of hearing and auditory processing concerns, including:
Some children are born with hearing loss that requires early intervention.
Persistent fluid buildup can lead to temporary or fluctuating hearing loss.
Frequent ear infections can impact hearing and speech development.
Some children can hear sounds but struggle to interpret them correctly.
Conditions such as high fevers, infections, or loud environments can contribute to hearing issues.
Early diagnosis allows us to develop a personalized treatment plan, ensuring your child has the support they need to thrive.
A pediatric hearing test is an essential first step in ensuring your child's speech, language, and social development stay on track. Benefits include:
Identifies potential concerns before they impact development.
No need for a hospital stay or extended recovery time.
Uses interactive methods to make the experience fun and engaging.
Helps determine if hearing loss is temporary (such as from fluid buildup) or permanent.
Provides clear answers and expert guidance for next steps.
Identifying hearing issues early can help your child develop strong communication skills and succeed in social and academic settings.
A pediatric hearing test may be recommended if your child has difficulty responding to sounds, delayed speech, or frequent ear infections. Signs that your child may need a hearing evaluation include:
Even if your child doesn’t show clear signs of hearing loss, a baseline hearing test can be valuable for monitoring their hearing over time. If you have concerns, our pediatric audiology specialists can help determine if testing is right for your child.
Once testing is complete, our audiologists will review your child’s hearing results and discuss next steps. If hearing loss is detected, we will outline treatment options, which may include:
Our goal is to provide a clear diagnosis and personalized recommendations to support your child’s hearing health and overall development.
Early detection of hearing issues is key to ensuring your child’s success in communication, learning, and social interactions. At SoCal ENT, we provide expert pediatric hearing evaluations in a caring, child-friendly environment.
Newborns receive a hearing screening at birth, but additional testing may be needed if concerns arise. Hearing tests are recommended if speech delays or hearing difficulties arise.
No, our tests are non-invasive and designed to be engaging for children of all ages.
Most evaluations take 30-45 minutes, depending on the child's age and response level.
If hearing loss is detected, we will discuss treatment options, including medical care, hearing aids, and, if necessary, speech therapy.
Temporary hearing loss from fluid buildup or infections may resolve, but permanent hearing loss requires ongoing management.
