How is the hearing test done?
- Hearing screening test - under 3 months: Two different types of screening tests may be performed depending on your baby’s needs. They are both automatic. We do not expect any specific reactions from the baby. The tests are painless and quick. It is preferable for the baby to be very calm, or even asleep for the tests.
- Regular test - 8 months and older: The audiologist starts by asking you some questions about your child’s general development, and by examining inside the ears to see if there’s any wax or blockage. The hearing test is then performed in a soundproof room, where your child needs to respond to different types of sounds (voice/music, tones) in a game-like activity chosen depending on his/her age and interests. The child is either seated on your lap, in a high chair or at a small table next to the audiologist. The child needs to be awake and collaborate for this part of the evaluation.
- Other specialized tests: The administrative agent or audiologist will inform you about how the test is done and any required preparation when scheduling the appointment.
Is my child too young to get his/her hearing tested?
A child is never too young to be tested. At all ages, there are ways to get information about a child’s hearing. The audiologist will adapt the testing methods to your child’s age and developmental level. The hearing tests will fall into two categories: objective and subjective tests.
Objective tests do not require the child’s participation and will be performed when the child is calm or sleeping.
Subjective tests require the child to participate in the evaluation and usually involve some form of play.
How long is the appointment?
- Hearing screening test - under 3 months: Approximately 10 to 30 minutes. We try to adapt to your baby’s schedule (feeding, sleeping) to perform the test in the best possible conditions.
- Regular test - 8 months and older: Usually lasts approximately 30 minutes. The length of the appointment will be influenced by the results, and by your child’s cooperation and collaboration.
- Specialized tests:The administrative agent or audiologist will inform you on the length of the visit.
Can I stay with my child during the test?
Of course! You are welcome to stay with your child during every part of the evaluation. For certain parts, we may ask for your help (for example holding your child while we examine his/her ears). However, for the hearing test in the soundproof room, we will ask that you remain a quiet observer, seated at the back, to let the audiologist lead the test and engage with your child.
Does it hurt?
Nothing hurts in our department! Some exams require that we insert a little probe (similar to an earplug) in your child’s ear canal to measure the mobility of the eardrum or the response of the inner ear cells. The child may also have to wear earphones (over the ears or inside the ear canals) during the test in the soundproof room.
Some children do not like having their ears touched or find it uncomfortable, but it’s not painful. Our audiologists have more than one trick up their sleeve and will be sure to find alternatives if necessary. A lot of children even like their visit to our department as a lot of tests ae conducted as games.
What if the appointment is during my child’s nap time?
It’s best to schedule the appointment at a time of day when your child will be happy and cooperative. Scheduling your appointment before or after nap time is ideal, unless specified by a member of our team. You may tell the administrative agent the time frame that suits you best and we will accommodate you as much as possible.
Will I get the results right away?
Yes. The results will be explained to you once the test is completed. If your child’s collaboration was limited during the evaluation, we will explain the partial results obtained and will schedule another appointment to complete the test.
Will my doctor receive a copy of the report?
The doctor who initially referred you to Audiology will receive a copy of our report. If you wish to have the report sent to another doctor or to another specialist (for example, to the speech and language pathologist), we will ask you to sign an authorization form allowing us to send your child’s audiology report.
How can I prepare my child for the hearing test?
No preparation is needed for the hearing test. It is actually best that you do not try to test your child’s hearing at home with different toys or objects as this could influence your child’s responses to sounds during our evaluation
If your child is old enough to understand, you can prepare them by explaining what will be done during the visit (looking in the ears, listening with earphones, playing games) and that you will stay with him/her at all times.
Do I need to bring something to the appointment?
- Hospital card and Medicare card. If your child does not have a hospital card, you will need to make one at the Pediatric Admissions Office (C RC.0036) before coming to the Audiology Department. Please plan on arriving 15 minutes earlier if this is the case.
- Something to soothe or entertain your child in case there is a little wait time (pacifier, favorite toy, blanket, diapers and change of clothes in case of accidents, formula, snacks, etc.). Please note that no food or drinks are allowed in the testing room.
- Any pertinent report from other professionals (ex: audiology report from another hospital or private clinic, speech therapy evaluation, etc.).
Can I take pictures or videos of my child during the evaluation?
We ask parents not to film or photograph their child during the assessment as it could be disrupting.
If my child is sick on the day of the appointment, should I still come or is it better to reschedule the appointment?
If your child has fever or any other symptom compatible with COVID-19 or presents with any contagious illness symptoms (for example: stomach flu, hand-foot-mouth disease, chicken pox, etc.), you should stay home and reschedule the appointment. Please contact us at 514-412-4454 should this be the case.
Who does the hearing test for my child?
The hearing test will be done by one or two audiologists, depending on your child’s age and development. Since the Montreal Children’s Hospital is part of the McGill University Health Center, there may be Audiology students and medical residents in our department. Some may participate in the evaluation and some may only observe, but they are always supervised by a licensed audiologist.