The type of tests used in an audiologic evaluation depends on the child's age:
Newborns and Infants: For newborns, Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) and Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) tests are commonly used. These tests are non-invasive and can be done while the baby is sleeping. OAEs measure sound waves produced in the inner ear, while ABR assesses the auditory nerve's response to sound.
Toddlers: For toddlers, Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) is often used. In this test, the child is trained to look towards a sound source, and their response is rewarded with a visual stimulus. This helps in determining the softest sound the child can hear.
Older Children: For older children, Pure Tone Audiometry is the standard test. The child wears headphones and signals when they hear a sound. Speech Audiometry, which involves repeating words heard through headphones, can also be used to evaluate speech recognition.
