What is an audiologist?
An audiologist is a licensed professional with a doctoral or master’s level degree who can perform the tests required to fully and accurately assess hearing loss and determine the best course of action for treatment and management.
How old does my child need to be in order to have a hearing test?
A child can be tested at any age. Children routinely have their hearing screened at birth before leaving the hospital. Testing on newborns and young infants includes a procedure called otoacoustic emissions (OAE). During this procedure a small microphone is placed in the child’s ear canal. Sounds are presented to the ear and a healthy inner ear responds by making another sound that is picked up by the microphone. Once babies are approximately six months old, different types of behavioral tests can be used. These tests vary according to the child’s age and developmental level.
My child gets frequent ear infections. Can this affect hearing?
Yes. Ear infections can cause fluid to develop in the middle ear space. Once the ear infection clears up, the fluid can also resolve over time. Sometimes the Eustachian tube is also involved and does not allow the ear to get the proper amount of air exchange needed to clear up the fluid. When fluid remains in the middle ear space, hearing loss can occur. This loss of hearing is called a conductive hearing loss and is often temporary with appropriate medical treatment. A complete evaluation is needed to determine the extent of the hearing loss and to help the physician determine the best course of treatment for your child.
I think I have a hearing loss. What do I do now?
Hearing evaluations are frequently covered by insurance. Check your insurance plan or contact your physician for a referral. When you arrive for your appointment, the audiologist will take a thorough history and perform a complete evaluation based on your symptoms. The audiologist will discuss the results with you and go over recommendations for treatment. If hearing instruments are recommended as part of your treatment, you will have opportunities to discuss what technology is most appropriate for your needs. This may happen during the initial appointment or you may schedule a separate appointment for this discussion.
Are hearing aids covered by insurance?
Most hearing instruments are not covered by insurance. Medicare does not cover hearing instruments. MaineCare covers hearing instruments for children only. A recent law passed in Maine provides limited hearing aid coverage for children. You should contact your insurance carrier to see if your plan provides any hearing instrument benefits.
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