Children depend on their hearing for speech development, learning, and social interaction. When hearing challenges go undetected, they can affect a child's growth in ways that become more difficult to address over time.
Our pediatric audiology team at All About Hearing provides hearing evaluations and ongoing care for children of all ages, from newborn screenings through adolescence.
Newborn Hearing Screenings
We offer newborn hearing screenings to identify potential hearing concerns as early as possible. Early detection allows families to begin intervention quickly, giving children the best opportunity for language development and communication skills.
If your baby has failed their initial hospital screening, we can perform follow-up testing, including ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) assessments, to provide a clearer picture of your child's hearing health. Rather than traveling long distances for specialized testing, families in Midland and the Permian Basin can access these services locally.
Common Causes of Hearing Loss in Children
Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infections)
Middle ear infections are the most common cause of hearing loss in children. Because children have smaller and less angled Eustachian tubes than adults, they are more prone to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Addressing these infections early helps prevent lasting damage.
Congenital Hearing Loss
Some babies are born with underdeveloped hearing, which can develop around 16 weeks in the womb. About half of all cases are inherited, while other contributing factors include prenatal infections, premature birth, or complications during delivery.
Acquired Hearing Loss
Acquired hearing loss develops after birth and can result from frequent ear infections, certain medications, childhood illnesses, head injuries, or ongoing exposure to loud sounds. Noise-induced hearing loss is a growing concern among teenagers.
What to Expect from a Pediatric Hearing Evaluation
We conduct age-appropriate tests based on your child's developmental stage. To get the most accurate results, please avoid using hair gels, lotions, or earrings on your child on the day of testing. For infants and young children, it helps if your baby is tired and hungry so they can sleep or feed during the exam.
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Case history review – We'll discuss your child's medical history, any concerns you've noticed, and developmental milestones related to hearing and speech.
Otoscopy examination – We'll visually examine your child's ear canals and eardrums to check for any blockages, fluid, or structural concerns.
Age-appropriate hearing tests – Depending on your child's age, we'll conduct specific tests to measure their hearing ability. Infants and young children typically undergo ABR or DPOAE testing, while older children complete tests similar to those used with adults.
Results discussion and Next steps – We'll explain the findings with you in detail, answer your questions, and discuss any recommendations based on your child's results. If further evaluation or treatment is needed, we'll outline a plan tailored to your child's specific situation.
Schedule Your Child's Hearing Evaluation
Early detection and intervention make a significant difference in outcomes for children with hearing loss. Whether your newborn needs follow-up screening, your child has been struggling in school, or you simply want to establish a baseline for their hearing health, our team is ready to help.
To schedule a pediatric hearing evaluation with one of our audiologists, call us at (432) 689-2220 or complete our online form. We look forward to caring for your child's hearing health.