Gentle specialist care for children
Early identification of hearing loss changes a child's speech, schooling, and confidence for life. At The Hearing Matters we specialize in calm, parent-friendly pediatric assessments — from newborn OAE screening through BERA, ASSR, and age-appropriate behavioral testing.
We explain every step before it happens so families leave understanding results, not frightened by jargon. When amplification or speech therapy helps, we coordinate pathways in one clinic instead of sending you across town.
Our Bahria Phase 8 team schedules unhurried appointments for infants and toddlers — we never rush a child to meet a clock.
OAE screening
Newborns & quick checks
Objective cochlear screening widely used for infants and as part of a full diagnostic workup.
BERA / ABR
Infants & complex cases
Records auditory nerve and brainstem responses when behavioral testing is difficult or unreliable.
ASSR
Pediatric planning
Frequency-specific threshold estimation that supports precise pediatric hearing aid planning.
OAE screening — objective cochlear check
Diagnostic testing
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) measure tiny sounds emitted by healthy outer hair cells in the cochlea. A probe plays soft clicks or tones; if the inner ear responds normally, the device detects an echo. No patient response is required — ideal for infants and toddlers.
OAE is widely used for newborn hearing screening and as part of pediatric diagnostic pathways. A failed OAE does not always mean permanent hearing loss, but it signals that further testing such as BERA may be needed.
Parents appreciate that OAE is quick, painless, and often completed while a baby sleeps. We explain results immediately and outline next steps in plain language.
When we recommend this test
- Newborn and infant hearing screening
- Quick objective check when behavioral testing is unreliable
- Monitoring cochlear function in noise-exposed adults
- Part of a full pediatric workup alongside BERA and ASSR
BERA / ABR — brainstem response testing
Diagnostic testing
Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA, also called ABR) records electrical activity from the auditory nerve and brainstem in response to click or tone stimuli. Electrodes on the scalp pick up responses while the patient rests quietly — often during natural sleep in infants.
BERA estimates hearing sensitivity when PTA is impossible — for example in very young children or patients who cannot cooperate with button-pressing tasks. It is also used when neurological hearing pathway integrity must be confirmed.
Our pediatric specialists schedule unhurried appointments and involve parents throughout. Results are discussed in a dedicated conference so families understand implications for speech, schooling, and early intervention.
When we recommend this test
- Infants who did not pass OAE screening
- Children unable to complete standard audiometry
- Suspected auditory neuropathy or retrocochlear pathology
- Objective threshold estimation when behavioral results are inconsistent
ASSR — frequency-specific pediatric thresholds
Diagnostic testing
Auditory Steady-State Response (ASSR) testing estimates hearing thresholds at specific frequencies using steady-state tones modulated in amplitude and frequency. Like BERA, it uses scalp electrodes and does not require active patient participation.
ASSR is especially valuable for pediatric hearing aid planning because it provides frequency-specific threshold data needed for precise programming. Combined with BERA and OAE, it supports confident amplification decisions in infants and young children.
We coordinate ASSR with family counseling so parents understand how results translate into device selection, speech therapy referrals, and educational support.
When we recommend this test
- Infants and toddlers needing precise threshold data for aids
- Complex pediatric cases after inconclusive BERA
- Planning amplification when behavioral audiometry is incomplete
- Monitoring progressive hearing loss in children
OAE screening
Early detection for newborns and young children when timely intervention matters most — quick, painless, and explained to parents immediately.
BERA & ASSR
Objective diagnostics when behavioral testing is difficult — results discussed in a dedicated family conference with clear next steps.
Family counseling
Guidance on speech development, schooling accommodations, and therapy referrals — including our in-house speech therapy team when communication goals overlap.
Pediatric-friendly fittings
Child-appropriate hearing technology with careful follow-up and REM verification when indicated — plus durable styles for active school-age children.
Pediatric hearing FAQ
At what age can you test my child?
We test infants, toddlers, and school-age children using age-appropriate methods including OAE, BERA, ASSR, and play audiometry. Newborn screening can often be arranged soon after birth if concerns arise.
Will my child need hearing aids?
Not always. We explain results clearly and recommend aids, therapy, or ENT referral only when clinically appropriate — never to sell devices.
Do you offer speech therapy too?
Yes — our speech therapy service supports children whose communication is affected by hearing loss, with coordinated plans alongside audiology.
Can both parents attend?
We encourage both parents or caregivers to attend so questions are answered together and home strategies are clear.
How do I prepare my toddler?
Bring comfort items, schedule around nap times when possible, and explain simply that we will listen to sounds — we guide you before the appointment.