What are the common types of hearing tests for children?
There are several types of hearing tests used in pediatrics, depending on the child's age and developmental level:
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): This test measures sound waves produced in the inner ear. It's commonly used for newborns and infants. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): This test measures the hearing nerve's response to sound. It's often used for infants and young children who cannot participate in behavioral tests. Behavioral Audiometry: This includes tests like Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) and Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA), where the child's response to sounds is observed. Pure-Tone Audiometry: Typically used for older children, this test determines the faintest tones a child can hear at various frequencies.
