The earlier that hearing loss is diagnosed, the sooner appropriate treatment can be discussed and implemented to help your child hear and speak as well as possible. To make a diagnosis of hearing loss, different types of tests can be done depending on the age of the child. These include OAE (otoacoustic emission) test, ABR (auditory brainstem response) test, audiogram (standard hearing test), and tympanometry (checks eardrum function).
For temporary hearing loss, sometimes a simple visit to your doctor to remove earwax, perform an outpatient ear tube placement, or other medical treatment can correct the hearing loss.
For permanent hearing loss, hearing aids, bone anchored hearing aids, FM systems, and/or cochlear implants may be recommended depending on the type and severity of hearing loss. In addition to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist, or otolaryngologist, children with permanent hearing loss should be seen by other specialists, including an eye doctor (ophthalmologist) and in some cases, a heart doctor (cardiologist) and a genetics doctor. It is important to also consider speech therapy as soon as a diagnosis is made.