A pediatric audiologist works with infants, kids, and teens with hearing loss. They have expertise in detecting early signs of hearing loss in kids of all ages, as young as newborns.
We have extensive experience working with children. We run tests to determine the extent of your child’s hearing loss and its cause; then suggest a treatment.
Hearing Screenings for Newborns
New York State requires all facilities that care for newborns to administer a hearing exam. Depending on the size of the facility, your newborn may be provided the exam in the hospital or be referred to an outside provider. We regularly perform initial and follow-up hearing screenings for newborns.
Approximately 1-2% of infants exhibit signs of hearing loss at birth. Getting your child tested early is crucial, because the earlier you detect hearing loss, the better chance your child has of avoiding developmental delays in speech, language, and cognition.
How to Tell if Your Child Has Hearing Loss
Sometimes, children exhibit signs of hearing loss as they get older. Some of the biggest signs of hearing loss may be misinterpreted as behavioral issues in school or daycare.
Here are a few of the common signs:
- Speaking too loudly
- Trouble paying attention in class
- Ignoring or having difficulty following instructions
- Lack of response or delayed response when called on in class
- Only responding to your questions when looking at you
- Often saying “what?” or “huh?” or asking you to repeat yourself
If you’re seeing any of these signs, your child may have hearing loss. They’ll need to be tested to determine the best type of care.
Options for Children with Hearing Loss
Children with hearing loss can lead normal, productive lives with the right treatment. That may include being fitted with cochlear implants or hearing aids. These are custom-fitted for comfort and can be practically invisible.
Your audiologist can work with you to create a treatment plan that may include one of those options, as well as addressing the underlying cause of hearing loss if possible.
Your child may also be referred to a speech and language pathologist, a sign language teacher, an occupational therapist, or other professionals to treat the underlying cause and help them develop practical and functional skills for living with hearing loss.
Work with the Best Pediatric Audiologist in Manhattan
Dr. Kathy Feng has been treating hearing loss in infants, children and teens of all ages since the start of her practice in 2008. A mother of two young boys herself, she has helped thousands of children lead healthy, happy, productive lives despite hearing loss.
If you suspect your child may have hearing loss, or if you need your newborn screened, contact us today at (212) 966-3886 or hello@nyhear.com to schedule a consultation anytime between 9:30 AM and 5 PM Monday through Thursday and Saturday.
Don’t wait — because the earlier your child gets treated, the better.
