What do I do first?

The first step is to determine the status of your child’s hearing. This can be completed by scheduling an appointment with an audiologist. If it determined that your child has a hearing loss, the FDA requires that your child must be referred to an Otolaryngologist (ENT physician) to be medically cleared for fitting with a hearing aid. The statement must be dated within the previous six months and state that the patient’s ears have been medically evaluated.

What do I do next?

Your ENT physician will determine if your child’s hearing problem is the result of an active disease process or a medical problem that requires surgical or medical intervention. If it is determined that your child’s hearing problem is not the result of these processes, he or she can sign a medical clearance for the use of the hearing aids.

The medical clearance must be forwarded to our office. We will then be authorized to purchase hearing aids for your child. If authorization is needed from your insurance company, we will at this time request the authorization for your hearing aid.

When your child's hearing aids arrive, the clerical staff will contact you to schedule an appointment for an earmold impressions. If earmold impressions are not required, an appointment for the hearing aid delivery will be made.

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aid prices vary depending upon the style and the circuitry that would best accommodate your child’s hearing loss. Your child’s audiologist will discuss the recommended hearing aid for your child. Discuss the financial aspects of your child’s hearing aid with your dispensing audiologist. Remember that you are purchasing your child’s hearing aids to enhance his/her speech development and enjoyment of day-to-day communication with family and friends.

The Pediatric Audiology Services coordinator will discuss the full price for your child’s hearing aids, earmolds and other accessories at the hearing aid consultation appointment.

What are the different types of hearing aids?

Hearing aids come in several different styles; most of the hearing aids are slightly visible. Although there are several styles of hearing aids, as a pediatric audiology center we usually recommend the behind-the-ear (BTE) style hearing for our young children.

When your child is older, such as 13 and up, you may discuss with your child’s audiologist, having your child wear an In-The-Ear (ITE) style hearing aid.

How often will my child be evaluated?

After the delivery of the hearing aid, your child will be scheduled for a hearing aid performance check in about 3 weeks. After that visit your child will be seen every 6 months for hearing aid performance checks and audiologic evaluations. As your child grows and develops, he/she will need to have new earmolds made. Your audiologist will give you information on how to recognize the need for new earmolds.


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