Pediatric Audiology
Pediatric audiology is the area of audiology focused on assessing and managing hearing and balance conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Hearing assessment in children differs from adult testing because young children cannot always reliably participate in standard behavioral tests. Audiologists use age-appropriate methods: behavioral observation audiometry for infants, visual reinforcement audiometry for toddlers, play audiometry for preschool-age children, and conventional pure tone audiometry as children develop.
Objective tests, including otoacoustic emissions (OAE) and auditory brainstem response (ABR), are used when behavioral testing is not reliable or does not provide complete information. Identifying hearing loss early in childhood is important because hearing is fundamental to speech, language, and educational development.
In Ontario, the Infant and Toddler Hearing Program coordinates early identification and follow-up from birth through age 4. Children with confirmed hearing loss may receive hearing aids, cochlear implants, FM systems, and audiological support throughout their school years.
