Hearing Screenings

A hearing screening is a quick test to check your child’s hearing.  Screenings provide either a pass or fail result. If the screening is passed, no further testing is required. If a screening is failed, more testing will be required.

Hearing screenings can be completed at any age. Most babies have a hearing screening before they leave the hospital. It is recommended that children receive a hearing screening before beginning school or at any time when concerns with hearing arise.  Children should have hearing screenings every few years to help keep track of their hearing and get help when they need it.

Hearing Screenings at Boomerang Health are conducted by a speech-language pathologist. Speech-language pathologists focus on the prevention, identification, evaluation, and treatment of speech, language, voice, feeding and swallowing disorders in children and adolescents (and adults).

Signs that a Hearing Screening May Be Appropriate

• Delays in articulation (speech is not clear) or language skills (says or understands fewer words than expected)
• Inconsistent response to his or her name
• Difficulty following verbal directions
• Poor academic performance
• Signs or diagnosis of a learning disorder or ADHD
• Behavioural issues at home and/or at school
• Lack of response to whispers
• Need for repetition of statements or questions; says “what” or “huh” often
• Positions one ear towards the person speaking
• Need for television to be loud
• Tugs or rubs ear often
• Sensitivity to loud sounds

Our Approach

We provide hearing screenings for children and teens, from 3 years to 18 years.

For children between the ages of 3 and 5:
Pure-Tone screening is conducted at four frequencies (500, 1k, 2k and 4k Hz) using play audiometry. The child is conditioned to respond to a sound e.g., throwing a block in a bucket. Pass/Fail results are attained using headphones for ear specific information. Children must be able to follow simple instructions to complete the hearing screening.

For children of ages 5 and older:
Pure-Tone screening is conducted at four frequencies (500, 1k, 2k and 4k Hz). The child is instructed to respond when they hear a sound. Pass/Fail results are attained using headphones for ear specific information.

*Please note: Children aged 3 and older who are not able to complete screenings using play audiometry (e.g., due to poor comprehension or compliance) will be referred for screening with an audiologist who can screen hearing without requiring a response from the child.*

Prices

Initial Hearing Screening, including a review of results and recommendations – $80.00

Speech-language pathology services are not covered by OHIP, but may be covered under your extended health insurance benefits. Check with your insurance provider for details.

AboutKidsHealth

For more information related to Hearing Screenings, visit the following page on AboutKidsHealth, SickKids’ trusted health education website for children, youth, and their caregivers:

• Speech Problems