Seattle Hearing and Balance Center

Our Services

Pediatric Hearing Evaluations

We test the hearing of newborns through adolescence with a variety of testing techniques. Testing usually takes 45-60 minutes per child.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) is used for newborns through 6 months of age. ABR is an electroacoustic test which measures the response of the hearing (auditory) nerve. Sensors are placed on the child’s forehead and behind each ear and a small earphone is placed in the ear. Sounds will be played through the earphone and the response of the auditory nerve is measured to determine the child’s hearing levels.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) is used for newborns through adulthood. OAE is an electroacoustic test which measures the function of the outer hair cells (integrity of the cochlea). A small earphone is placed in the ear through which sounds will be played. Responses from the cochlea are measured to determine the child’s hearing levels.

Visual Response Audiometry (VRA) is used for children 7-24 months of age. The child will sit on the caregiver’s lap between two speakers or wearing headphones. The audiologist will present sounds. The child will be taught to turn their head in response to the sound and will be rewarded with a toy that lights up. The child’s attention will then be brought back to center and the sequence will start again. Different pitches (frequencies) and loudness (intensity) will be used to determine the child’s hearing levels.

Visually Reinforced Operant Conditioning Audiometry (VROCA) is used for 24-36 months of age. The child will wear headphones and will be taught to push a button or other device in response to the sound and will be rewarded with a toy that lights up. The child’s attention will then be brought back to center and the sequence will start again. Different pitches (frequencies) and loudness (intensity) will be used to determine the child’s hearing levels.

Conditioned Play Audiometry (CPA) is used for children 3-6 years of age. The child will wear headphones and will be taught to place a block or other toy in a bin in response to the sound. Different pitches (frequencies) and loudness (intensity) will be used to determine the child’s hearing levels.

Conventional Audiometry (CA) is used for children who no longer need conditioning tasks. The patient responds to auditory stimuli by raising their hand. Different pitches (frequencies) and loudness (intensity) will be used to determine the patient’s hearing levels. conventional audiometry

Auditory Processing Disorders (APD) Screening . An auditory processing disorder is the inability or impaired ability to recognize or comprehend information by hearing even though a person has normal intelligence and normal hearing sensitivity. APD testing is often recommended for school-aged children who have difficulty learning and listening. An APD evaluation assesses the auditory perceptual skills as they relate to communication and academic performance. Based on screening test results, our practitioners will recommend the appropriate follow up testing and/or therapy.

Tympanometry Middle-ear analysis in infants younger than 6 months requires tympanometry using a special 1000Hz probe tone, different acoustic reflex stimuli and different normative data.A small soft probe is placed in the outer ear canal. Test results provide information about middle-ear fluid, Eustachian Tube function and acoustic reflex integrity

Adult Services

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation. To evaluate the cause of hearing problems in older children and adults a variety of tests are used. For the basic test the patient responds to auditory stimuli by raising their hand or pressing a button; different pitches (frequencies) and loudness (intensity) will be used to determine the patient’s hearing levels. Additional diagnostic tests include adult versions of otoacoustic omissions, averaged brainstem response and tympanometry with acoustic reflexes.

Balance Function Testing. We provide videonystagmography (VNG) testing to evaluate patients’ balance difficulties. The VNG test records and measures voluntary and involuntary (nystagmus) eye movement using an infrared video camera. VNG testing assists the patient’s physician in developing a medical and/or rehabilitative plan for improving balance function.

Tinnitus Assessment and Retraining Therapy . Tinnitus is a sensation of sound heard inside the head, commonly described as a high pitch ringing. The goal of the tinnitus retraining program is to evaluate and help the patient habituate to their tinnitus so it will no longer be a problem. For more tinnitus program information click here.

Personal Amplification Devices. We provide digital, completely programmable hearing devices. These devices are available in different styles and technologies. Please click here for more information on personal amplification devices.