Audiology
Early intervention is key. When concerns arise, a child needs timely access to care. At Monkey Mouths, we provide prompt hearing evaluations to determine if a hearing difference exists. When one is detected, our audiologist understands the urgency to provide intervention without delay. Through collaboration with families, educators and other medical providers, we provide comprehensive care for patients, birth to 20 years old, focusing on each child’s individual hearing goals and communication challenges.
Babies hear their very first sounds around the 18th week of pregnancy. At Monkey Mouths, we want your baby to have the best access to sound, in order to decrease communication challenges and improve brain development. Hearing is not just about the cochlea — a small fluid filled organ of hearing with thousands of hair cells that are essential to hearing — it’s also about the brain. A child’s brain development is dependent on many factors, including senses of touch, sight, taste and smell, as well as movement, body awareness and hearing. If hearing loss goes undetected or untreated, it will significantly impact a child’s cognitive development and may result in processing and/or speech and language delays.
Audiology Services provided further Monkey Mouths’ existing vision to provide a collaborative, supportive environment for each child. Depending on the type and severity of the hearing difference, we offer a variety of amplification options and cochlear implant services. Monkey Mouths’ experienced pediatric audiologist has a proven track record of successful results in young and difficult-to-test children.
Watch to learn how we can test your child’s hearing!
Audiology Services at Monkey Mouths include:
Hearing evaluations for infants and children.
Monkey Mouths offers a variety of hearing tests for children, depending on their ages. Behavioral testing techniques include: Behavioral Observation Audiometry (BOA), Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) and Traditional pure tone audiometry. Other diagnostic tests include Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing, Otoacoustic Emissions and Tympanometry.
Amplification evaluation, fitting and checks for children.
If a hearing difference is identified, pediatric-friendly amplification is recommended, which provides greater durability, increased water resistance and longer warranty. After a hearing device is fit, regular follow-ups will take place to ensure the equipment is functioning appropriately, monitor hearing and address ongoing patient and family needs.
Cochlear implant evaluation and programming.
If a family feels hearing aids do not adequately meet communication and educational goals for a child, testing may be completed to determine cochlear implant candidacy.
Assistive listening devices.
Amplification is often not enough. The use of an assistive listening device improves a child’s access to sound in everyday, dynamic environments. The greater access to clear speech, the more likely a child achieves academic and communication improvement.
Custom Swim plugs/Hearing protection.
If a child is prone to swimmer’s ear or suffers constant ear infections due to water, custom swim plugs may provide comfort and protection during water activities. Custom hearing protection may be a good option to help protect little and teen ears from loud noise.
“We just love Monkey mouths! My son has improved so much thanks to the wonderful staff.”
