Pediatric Hearing Screening at Wible Family Medicine in Bakersfield, CA

Yes, ear infections can affect pediatric hearing screening results. Ear infections, particularly middle ear infections (otitis media), can cause temporary hearing loss due to fluid buildup or inflammation in the middle ear. This can interfere with sound transmission and lead to inaccurate results during a hearing screening.

In screenings like Tympanometry, which measures the movement of the eardrum in response to air pressure, ear infections can show abnormal results, indicating that the middle ear is not functioning properly. This can make it appear as though a child has hearing loss, even though the issue may be temporary and related to the infection.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing can also be affected by ear infections. The fluid or blockage in the middle ear can prevent accurate measurement of sound waves produced by the cochlea, leading to false positives for hearing loss.

Because ear infections can distort screening results, it’s important to follow up with further testing once the infection has cleared. If a child has recurrent ear infections or is showing signs of hearing loss, additional assessments with an audiologist are necessary to ensure proper diagnosis and timely intervention.

At Universal Pediatrics, if your child’s initial screening suggests that more information is needed, we may recommend additional testing or a more detailed evaluation. This does not necessarily mean your child has a medical condition—our screenings are designed to identify children who may be at risk so they can receive timely support if needed.

Our team will clearly explain why further testing is recommended and what it may involve. Based on your child’s screening results, we may refer you to a trusted specialist. These specialists will conduct more comprehensive assessments to better understand your child’s unique needs.

The information gathered from these evaluations helps us guide any necessary treatment, support, or interventions that will help your child reach their fullest potential. At every step, Universal Pediatrics is committed to keeping you informed and answering your questions, so you always know what to expect as we work together to support your child’s development.

School hearing screenings are typically conducted in educational settings and are designed as a quick check to identify students who may have hearing loss that could impact their ability to learn. These screenings are usually brief, using simple tone tests with headphones. Their main purpose is to flag potential hearing problems so children can be referred for further evaluation.

Pediatric hearing screenings offer a more thorough approach. In our office, we use a range of specialized tests tailored to your child’s age and medical history, such as otoacoustic emissions (OAE), tympanometry, and detailed behavioral audiometry. Our comprehensive screenings not only detect whether hearing loss is present but also help determine its type, degree, and any underlying medical causes.

If your child has been referred after a school screening, or if you have any concerns about their hearing, Universal Pediatrics is here to provide a complete evaluation. Early detection and intervention are essential to ensure your child reaches their full potential, both academically and socially.

Pediatric hearing screenings are designed to quickly and accurately identify potential hearing problems. The accuracy of these screenings depends on factors such as your child’s age, the type of test used, and the environment in which the screening takes place.

For newborns, we use advanced screening methods such as the automated auditory brainstem response (AABR) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE) tests. These tests are highly sensitive and specific when performed in our clinic’s controlled environment, allowing us to detect most moderate to profound hearing losses present at birth. However, it’s important to know that no screening is perfect. Sometimes, a baby may fail the initial screening due to reasons such as restlessness, fluid in the ear, or background noise—resulting in a false positive. On rare occasions, mild or late-onset hearing loss may not be detected right away, leading to a false negative.

For older children, Universal Pediatrics uses age-appropriate hearing screenings, which often require your child to respond to sounds through headphones. The accuracy of these tests can vary based on your child’s cooperation and understanding, as well as environmental factors, but our team is experienced in working with children of all ages to ensure the most reliable results.

It’s important to remember that a screening is not a diagnosis. If your child does not pass their hearing screening, we will guide you through the next steps, which may include referral to a pediatric audiologist for comprehensive diagnostic testing. Early and accurate identification of hearing loss is essential for timely intervention, which can make a significant difference in your child’s ability to develop language and social skills.

At Universal Pediatrics, we are committed to supporting your child’s healthy development at every stage. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, talk to your provider during your next visit or contact our office for more information about our hearing screening services. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 6640 Wible Road Bakersfield, CA 93313. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Burness CA, Clovis CA, Panama CA, Alameda CA, and surrounding areas.