The Many Roles of a Pediatric Audiologist

by Annette Pinder
According to the CDC, about 1 in 500 infants are born with or develop hearing loss during early childhood. Hearing loss has various causes, including genetic and non-genetic factors. Generally, 4 out of 5 babies (80%) with hearing loss have a genetic cause, while the remainder have non-genetic causes or a combination of factors.
When a child is diagnosed with a hearing loss, parents are often fear for their child’s future ability to speak, listen, talk, and read. However, research shows that children born with any degree of hearing loss can develop age-appropriate Listening and Spoken Language (LSL) and reading abilities if they receive timely intervention from a pediatric audiologist. Pediatric audiologists focus on the hearing and communication needs of infants, children, and adolescents, detecting and diagnosing hearing loss and related disorders in young patients to ensure their proper speech and language development. The roles of pediatric audiologists are varied and extensive, and include newborn screenings, hearing evaluations, intervention, management, family counseling and support, education and advocacy, and more.
- Newborn Hearing Screenings. Pediatric audiologists conduct newborn hearing screenings using non-invasive tests which are essential for early identification and intervention of hearing loss.
- Hearing Evaluations. If children fail initial screenings or show signs of hearing issues later, pediatric audiologists perform comprehensive evaluations using techniques like behavioral audiometry, visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA), and play audiometry. They diagnose the type and degree of hearing loss, laying the groundwork for treatment.
- Hearing Aids and Assistive Devices. Pediatric audiologists fit and manage hearing aids and assistive devices tailored to a child’s hearing loss and lifestyle. They also educate families on their use and maintenance to maximize their benefit.
- Cochlear Implants. For severe to profound hearing loss, pediatric audiologists handle the cochlear implant process, from evaluation to post-implantation care, in collaboration with surgeons and speech-language pathologists.
- Auditory Processing Disorders. Pediatric audiologists assess and manage auditory processing disorders (APD), and develop individualized plans that may include auditory training, environmental modifications, and assistive technology.
- Education and Advocacy. Educating and supporting families is another vital role of pediatric audiologists, providing information on hearing loss, treatment options, and communication strategies, and advocating for the child’s needs within the educational system.
- Emotional Support. Pediatric audiologists provide emotional support to families coping with hearing loss diagnoses, connecting them with resources, and empowering their informed decision-making.
- Collaboration with Other Professionals. Pediatric audiologists work with pediatricians, ENT specialists, speech-language pathologists, educators, and therapists, to ensure the child’s care, overall development, and well-being are fully addressed.
- Advancing the Field. Pediatric audiologists contribute to research and clinical studies, exploring new diagnostic techniques and treatment modalities. They also stay current on latest developments to provide patients with up-to-date evidence-based care, and engage in continuing education through conferences, workshops, and training sessions to maintain their licensure and enhance their skills.
Learn more about pediatric audiologists and other extensive services available at Buffalo Hearing and Speech by calling 716-885-8318 or visiting www.askbhsc.org.