Apollo Audiology: Pediatric Audiology
Apollo Audiology offers comprehensive pediatric hearing tests and hearing loss solutions in Huntsville. We use evidence-based, child-friendly diagnostics for every age and stage – from 6 month old infants to teenagers.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies and Children
Early detection of hearing issues is pivotal to child development, watch for these early warning signs:
- No response to loud sounds (infants)
- Not babbling by six months
- Delayed speech development
- Frequently turning up the TV or misunderstanding speech
Routine screening ensures any hearing problems are identified early, supporting optimal language, learning, and social outcomes. If you notice any of these early warning signs of hearing loss, book your pediatric hearing consultation.
Hearing Development Milestones
Hearing development follows a predictable sequence of milestones that most children reach within specific age ranges. Monitoring these milestones helps ensure that your child’s hearing and speech are developing normally, and it provides critical early warning signs if intervention is needed.
- Birth–1 month: Startles to loud noises
- 4–6 months: Turns head to sound, enjoys musical toys
- 7–12 months: Responds to name, understands “no”
- 12–24 months: Begins speaking first word
If these milestones aren’t met, early testing is recommended to address any hearing concerns promptly.
When to Bring Your Child for a Hearing Test
You should bring your child in for a hearing evaluation if they have failed a hearing screening at school or during a pediatrician visit. It is also important to schedule a hearing test if you notice any signs of hearing loss in your child. Additionally, if your child has a history of frequent ear infections or if there is a family history of childhood hearing loss, seeking a professional evaluation is recommended. Early testing is crucial to ensure timely intervention and support for your child’s hearing health and development.
Infant Hearing Test: Specialized Hearing Services For Babies
Our infant hearing tests use Visual Reinforcement Audiometry and Conditioned Play Audiometry, the gold standards of behavioral hearing tests, as well as Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE), designed specifically for patients as young as six months. If your baby missed a hospital screening or you have concerns about their responses to sound, scheduling a test at Apollo Audiology can provide fast answers and peace of mind. Our team tracks your child’s results, offering follow-up if necessary.
Explore Our Pediatric Audiology Services in Huntsville
Newborn Hearing Loss: Understanding the Risks
Hearing loss in newborns can be genetic, due to complications during birth, or result from infections. Early diagnosis is critical—studies show children identified and treated by six months have significantly improved language skills. Apollo Audiology collaborates with pediatricians and specialists for seamless care.
Pediatric Hearing Loss: Common Causes and Treatment
In children, hearing loss may develop from ear infections, genetic factors, or illnesses such as measles or meningitis. Symptoms vary, but prompt assessment and intervention can prevent long-term developmental impacts. Treatment options range from medical therapy to the latest hearing instrument technology.
Best Pediatric Hearing Aids: Modern Solutions for Growing Kids
Today’s pediatric hearing aids are discrete, comfortable, and tailored for active kids. Apollo Audiology features top-rated devices from leading brands such as Phonak and Oticon, fitted precisely to your child’s needs. From colorful designs to water-resistant options, our team matches the best technology to your family’s lifestyle and budget, ensuring the hearing aids enhance your child’s ability to learn, play, and connect.
Impact of Untreated Hearing Loss in Children
Untreated pediatric hearing loss can have profound negative effects on a child’s development and quality of life. When hearing loss goes unaddressed, children often experience delays in speech and language development because they cannot fully perceive the sounds necessary to learn communication skills. This can lead to difficulties with vocabulary, speech clarity, and grammar, which in turn affect academic performance.
Beyond language challenges, untreated hearing loss can cause social and emotional difficulties such as feelings of isolation, frustration, low self-esteem, and even depression, as children struggle to engage or follow conversations with peers and family. These barriers can create lasting impacts on a child’s confidence, social integration, and educational success.
Early detection and intervention, including the use of hearing aids and therapy, greatly improve outcomes, enabling children to develop speech and social skills on par with their hearing peers and enhancing their overall well-being and future opportunities. Apollo Audiology is committed to providing timely pediatric hearing care to prevent these negative impacts and support every child’s potential to thrive.
Solutions for Pediatric Hearing Loss
Treatment options for pediatric hearing loss at Apollo Audiology are comprehensive and tailored to your child’s specific type and degree of hearing loss. Our options at Apollo Audiology include:
Reversible Hearing Loss
For hearing loss caused by infections or other treatable conditions, referral for medication or other other medical treatment can address the underlying problem and restore hearing function.
Custom-Fitted Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are tailored to your child’s specific hearing needs, ensuring optimal comfort and sound amplification for everyday activities and learning.
Advanced Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems
For children with conductive hearing loss or ear deformities where traditional hearing aids are ineffective, bone-anchored systems transmit sound through bone conduction, bypassing damaged ear structures.
Assistive Listening Devices for Classrooms
These devices enhance classroom listening by amplifying the teacher’s voice and reducing background noise, helping children stay engaged and focused.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Every child’s hearing loss is unique. Apollo Audiology’s specialists create personalized treatment plans combining devices, therapies, and support to maximize your child’s hearing and developmental outcomes.
Pediatric Audiology FAQs
Q: How early can hearing loss be detected?
A: With hospital-based newborn screenings, hearing loss can be identified within the first days of life. For our clinic, the patient must be at least 6 months of age for our team to conduct a hearing examination.
Q: How often should children have their hearing checked?
A: At birth, then as recommended if there are concerns or risk factors, or as indicated by routine screenings.
Q: What if my child is diagnosed with hearing loss?
A: Early treatment may involve hearing aids, speech therapy, and ongoing audiology follow-up with hearing specialists.
Schedule Your Pediatric Audiology Appointment With Apollo Audiology
When it comes to pediatric audiology, Apollo Audiology combines experience and compassion for the best outcomes.
Book your appointment today and take that first step toward clearer conversations, vibrant sound, and a more connected life.