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Pediatric Hearing Services SoCal’s Otolaryngology Experts

Our team of audiologists and ENT specialists offers thorough hearing tests for kids of all ages, using advanced tools to ensure accurate results. We make the process fun and stress-free in a welcoming environment.

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Where Little Ears Receive Big Care

Why Choose SoCal ENT for Pediatric Hearing Testing?

Hearing is essential to a child’s ability to learn, communicate, and connect. Even mild hearing loss can affect speech development, classroom performance, and social confidence. If your child doesn’t always respond to sound, speaks less clearly than expected, or frequently asks for repetition, a pediatric hearing test can help uncover the cause and guide early treatment.

At the Southern California Center for Ear, Nose, Throat, and Allergy (SoCal ENT), our team offers comprehensive hearing evaluations tailored specifically for children, from newborns to school age. Using advanced diagnostic tools and a gentle, child-centered approach, our audiologists and ENT specialists make each visit comfortable and reassuring.

Our goal is to give parents clear answers and ensure every child has the best opportunity to reach critical developmental milestones through early, effective hearing care.

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Pediatric Hearing Tests at a Glance

  • Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation – Measures how your child responds to tones, speech, and everyday sounds.
  • Age-Appropriate Testing – Utilizes techniques such as behavioral observation, visual reinforcement, and standard audiometry, adapted for each age group.
  • Gentle & Child-Friendly Approach – Testing is designed to be interactive, engaging, and free from discomfort.
  • Early Detection for Better Outcomes – Helps identify hearing concerns early, supporting speech, language, and learning development.
  • Expert Pediatric Audiologists – Our specialists provide precise, compassionate care customized for your child’s needs.
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How We Evaluate Little Ears

What pediatric hearing tests are offered?

Pediatric hearing tests are designed to measure a child's ability to detect and respond to sound, using methods tailored to their age and developmental stage. Because infants and young children may not be able to describe what they hear, our audiologists use a combination of behavioral observations and objective testing to accurately evaluate their hearing.

At SoCal ENT, we offer a full range of pediatric hearing assessments for infants, toddlers, and young children. These tests help identify hearing loss, middle ear issues, or auditory processing concerns early, allowing for timely and effective treatment and supporting healthy speech and language development.

Types of Pediatric Hearing Tests

Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA)

For infants up to about 7 months old, this test monitors a baby’s natural responses to sound—such as blinking, widening the eyes, or pausing during feeding—to assess early hearing ability.

Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

Used for babies and toddlers, this method plays sounds through small speakers or headphones. When the child turns toward the sound, they’re rewarded with a fun visual cue, like a flashing light or animated toy, encouraging engagement and accurate responses.

Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA)

Designed for preschoolers and young children, this approach makes testing fun by turning it into a game—like dropping a block in a bucket or pressing a button whenever they hear a sound. This technique helps measure hearing thresholds while keeping the child attentive and relaxed.

Standard Audiometry

Older children typically undergo a standard hearing test. They wear headphones and indicate when they hear various tones at different frequencies.

Our tests are gentle, engaging, and effective. They ensure the most accurate results while keeping your child comfortable.

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When to Look Closer

What conditions do pediatric hearing tests address?

Pediatric hearing evaluations are designed to detect a variety of hearing and auditory processing conditions that can affect speech, learning, and overall development. These include:

Congenital Hearing Loss

Hearing loss present at birth that requires early diagnosis and prompt intervention to support speech and language milestones.

Fluid in the Middle Ear

Ongoing fluid buildup behind the eardrum that can cause temporary or inconsistent hearing loss.

Recurrent Ear Infections

Frequent infections that may interfere with hearing clarity and slow speech or language development.

Auditory Processing Disorders

When a child can hear sounds but has difficulty understanding or interpreting them accurately.

Hearing Loss Due to Illness or Noise Exposure

Hearing changes caused by illness, high fevers, certain medications, or prolonged noise exposure.

By identifying these conditions early, SoCal ENT helps ensure children receive the treatment and support they need for healthy communication and learning.

Peace of Mind Through Early, Accurate Testing

What are the benefits of a pediatric hearing test?

A pediatric hearing test is an essential first step in ensuring your child's speech, language, and social development stay on track. Benefits include:

Early Detection of Hearing Concerns

Identifies issues before they interfere with speech, language, or learning milestones.

Better Speech and Communication Outcomes

Early treatment supports clearer speech, stronger listening skills, and better classroom participation.

Gentle, Child-Friendly Experience

Testing is interactive, age-appropriate, and designed to keep children relaxed and engaged.

Accurate and Insightful Results

Determines whether hearing loss is temporary (such as from fluid or infection) or permanent, guiding appropriate care.

Confidence and Clarity for Parents of Mind for Parents

Gives families a clear understanding of their child’s hearing health and personalized recommendations for next steps.

Detecting hearing issues early boosts your child's communication skills, paving the way to success in both social and academic environments.

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Early Signs That Point to Hearing Concerns

Is a pediatric hearing test right for my child?

A pediatric hearing test may be helpful if your child shows signs of difficulty hearing or understanding sounds. Early testing can identify issues that might affect speech, learning, or social interaction.

You may want to schedule an evaluation if your child:

  • Doesn’t always respond when spoken to or called.
  • Has delayed or unclear speech development.
  • Frequently asks for repetition or turns the TV volume up high.
  • Experiences recurring ear infections or fluid buildup.
  • Seems inattentive or struggles to follow directions.

At SoCal ENT, our specialists can determine whether your child’s symptoms are related to hearing changes and recommend the most appropriate next steps for treatment or monitoring.

From Testing to Treatment — What Happens Next

Pediatric Hearing Test Results

After your child’s hearing evaluation, our audiologists will review the findings in detail and explain what the results mean for their overall hearing health. If any degree of hearing loss is identified, we’ll recommend the most appropriate next steps, which may include:

  • Medical care to address ear infections or middle ear fluid.
  • Hearing aids or assistive technology for permanent hearing loss.
  • Speech or auditory therapy to support communication and listening skills.
  • Routine follow-up testing to monitor hearing changes over time.

At SoCal ENT, every family receives a clear, individualized care plan designed to protect and enhance their child’s hearing while supporting long-term speech, learning, and development.

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Schedule Your Child’s Pediatric Hearing Test Today

Detecting hearing issues early is crucial for your child's communication and learning success. At SoCal ENT, we offer specialized pediatric hearing evaluations in a nurturing, child-friendly setting.

Pediatric Hearing Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Newborns typically undergo hearing screenings at birth. However, if there are concerns like speech delays or hearing issues later on, further testing is advisable.

Our tests are gentle and kid-friendly, making them suitable for children of all ages.

Evaluations typically last 30-45 minutes, depending on the child's age and their response.

If hearing loss is detected, we'll explore your treatment options, including medical care, hearing aids, and speech therapy if necessary.

Temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup or infections often improves on its own, but permanent hearing loss requires ongoing care.