Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations & Hearing Tests
Paediatric Hearing Test
Paediatric hearing evaluations are in essence similar to the standard test battery for adults, with a few adaptations to incorporate smaller children. Examples of these adaptations are Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) and Play Audiometry. Otoacoustic emission testing is almost always indicated for children since this test provides completely objective results when assessing the hearing organ.
“To hear a tiny little heart beating next to your very own…
is the most beautiful sound a mother could ever hear”
Neonatal Hearing Screening
Early hearing detection and intervention programs have become the standard of care to ensure optimal outcomes for infants with hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss in infants in the private sector is around 3 per 1000 births.
These screening tests are available at most hospitals and are conducted as soon as 24hours after birth. Some infants are however missed in this system and it is important to have these tests done as soon as possible after birth.
During this test a small soft probe is put into the ear canal of the infant and soft sounds are presented, the hearing organs responses are measured and recorded. This test is best done in a quiet environment and babies can sleep during this procedure.
We proudly conduct screening tests on all babies at Midmed Hospital. Hearing is the first sense that is developed inside the mother’s womb, and we are there to do the first hearing evaluation.
Industrial Hearing Test
Hearing loss incurred in the workplace is a compensable disease in terms of Schedule 3 of the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Disease Act (COID act). If workers are exposed to sound levels greater than 85dB, a hearing loss can develop.