Pediatric Hearing Services
Hearing is critical as it plays a crucial role in a child’s language, speech, and social development.
When hearing loss is detected early, children have a much better chance of developing strong communication skills and reaching their full potential. Regular hearing evaluations and proper intervention can help children effectively engage with their peers, families, and teachers. Ohio Audiology Associates provides compassionate pediatric care to ensure every child will have access to the best possible hearing solutions. Here at Ohio Audiology Associates we are not equipped to take care of babies and toddlers. Give us a call and we determine if we are capable of helping your child and if not, we will help you to find an appropriate provider that can help.
Some children may not get diagnosed as having hearing loss for several years because children cannot always determine what hearing should be or have anything to compare loss to. This is why early testing and intervention are so crucial to the early development of children. Most schools in Stark County Ohio have assistance for hearing testing through the Stark County Educational Service Center. If your child has failed their testing, we can work with SCES to help with treatment options.
Ohio Law on Pediatric Hearing Aid Coverage – Madeline’s Law
Parents in Ohio have increased support now when it comes to providing children with hearing aids as needed. Under Madeline’s Law, health insurance plans are now required to cover up to $2500 per hearing aid every four years for any patient under 22 years old who has been diagnosed as hearing impaired or deaf by a licensed audiologist. This legislation is a landmark and removes financial barriers for families, ensuring that children receive the hearing help they need and deserve for optimal development.
Learn more about Madeline’s Law here.
Signs Your Child May Need a Hearing Test
Not responding to their name or loud noises.
Delayed speech and language development.
Frequently asking for repetition or saying "what?" often.
Turning up the volume on devices excessively.
Difficulty following conversations or instructions.
Poor performance in school due to trouble hearing teachers or classmates.
Pediatric Hearing Tests & Evaluations
The first step in diagnosing and addressing hearing issues in children is the use of comprehensive hearing assessments. Our evaluations are designed to be child-friendly, ensuring a comfortable, stress-free experience. We can and will use a variety of age-appropriate testing methods, including:
- Pure-Tone Audiometry: Evaluates hearing ability across different frequencies.
- Speech Recognition Testing: Measures a child’s ability to hear and understand speech in various environments. Using these diagnostic tools, we can develop personalized hearing care plans tailored to each child's needs.
Hearing Aid Options for Children
Supporting Families on the Hearing Journey