A Certified Audiometrist uses an audiometer, which plays beeping sounds through headphones. This helps find the quietest sound a child can hear at different pitches and frequencies. It is good for children ages 2-5.
How it's done:
Your child wears headphones and listens for beeping sounds.
The audiometrist instructs the child to do an action each time they hear a sound.
They might put a block in a box, put pegs in a hole, or put a ring on a cone.
Parents/guardians receive a letter with the screening results.
If we find hearing problems or a child is unable to complete the screening, we will refer them for follow up.
Otoacoustic emission (OAE) hearing screen
What it is:
A Certified audiometrist uses an OAE machine to check the inner ear’s response to sound. This OAE screening detects if the middle ear is fully functioning.
How it's done:
The audiometrist places a soft foam earbud into your child’s ear.
Your child will hear a series of sounds, while the machine records small echoes from the ear.
Parents/guardians receive a letter with the screening results.
If we find hearing problems or a child is unable to complete the screening, we will refer them for follow up.
A OAE referral indicates further hearing evaluation is needed.
If a child does not pass it could be for various reasons:
hearing loss
wax present in the ears
fluid or infection in the middle ear or a malformed inner ear
Additional information
Frequently asked questions
EX: What to do when a child does not pass school screening
