Pediatric Services

Before leaving the hospital, all newborns receive a hearing screening. While most have normal hearing, 1 to 3 in every 1,000 are born with hearing loss.

The screening is a pass/fail test. If the baby doesn’t pass, further evaluation by an audiologist is needed. Early detection is key—babies who receive intervention by 6 months often develop strong language and learning skills.

We use Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing to measure how the hearing nerve responds to sound.

Pediatric hearing tests are non-invasive and provide detailed insight into the degree, cause, and treatment options for hearing loss. These tests go beyond newborn screenings to better understand a child’s hearing.

They may include:

• Visual Reinforcement or Play Audiometry: Behavioral tests measuring a child’s response to sound.

• Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE): Uses a probe to detect sound responses from the inner ear.

• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR): Tracks brain activity in response to sound while the child rests.

All newborns receive a hearing screening before leaving the hospital. While most have normal hearing, 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 are born with hearing loss.

The screening is a simple pass/fail test. If a baby doesn’t pass, they’ll need further evaluation by an audiologist. Early detection is crucial—babies who receive intervention by 6 months often develop strong language and learning skills.

We use Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing to measure how the hearing nerve responds to sound. Our practice offers newborn screenings.

Hearing loss affects over 48 million people, including 1 to 3 in every 1,000 newborns and 30 in every 1,000 school-age children.

Causes of pediatric hearing loss include genetics, certain medications, frequent ear infections, loud noise exposure, or head injuries. Some cases may not be reversible.

Signs vary by age and developmental milestones. Early support—through hearing aids, implants, therapy, or sign language—can greatly improve brain development, communication, and learning.

Does your child need a hearing aid?

DHCS introduced a new California state-only benefit for children, ages 0-17, who are otherwise not eligible for Medi-Cal, and with a household income up to 600 percent of the federal poverty level, effective July 1, 2021. This benefit will be available to children with no health insurance or whose existing health insurance does not cover hearing aids and related services. Referral or valid hearing aid prescription from an audiologist, otolaryngologist, or physician will be required.

Benefits include:

• Hearing aid(s) and hearing aid replacement

• Hearing aid supplies/accessories

• Hearing aid-related audiology services

• Other related post-evaluation services

HACCP https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/pages/haccp.aspx

HACCP Application (English): https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Documents/DHCS-8711-HACCP-Application.pdf

HACCP Flyer: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Documents/HACCP-Flyer-Announcing-Launch.pdf