Audiology

Diagnosing and treating hearing loss in patients of all ages

Audiologists identify, assess and manage disorders of hearing, balance and other neural systems. Caring for patients from newborns to older adults, DMG audiologists will help you understand your hearing loss and how to manage it, so you can live the quality of life you desire. As part of your treatment plan, we will:

Help you select, fit and obtain hearing aids and other listening devices
Prevent hearing loss by providing and fitting protective hearing devices and educating you on the effects of noise on hearing

Pediatric hearing conditions

Pediatric hearing conditions include a range of issues affecting a child’s ability to hear- from mild to significant- and can be present at birth or develop in childhood. These conditions can impact your child’s development, affecting their speech and language skills, social interactions and learning. DMG audiology specialists will determine the cause and severity of your child’s hearing limitations.

As early diagnosis is key, we recommend newborn screenings as part of your child’s well-child visits with their pediatrician or primary care provider. Symptoms and signs of hearing challenges in children vary by age.

Infants: Not being startled at loud noises or turning to sounds; delayed babbling; not responding to their name
Toddlers and older children: Unclear or delayed speaking; turning up the volume on devices, such as the TV or tablet; frequently asking, “What?”

Causes of hearing impairments in children

Causes of hearing conditions in children can be present at birth or acquired. A child may be born with a hearing impairment resulting from genetics, certain infections during pregnancy or complications during birth.

Hearing conditions that develop after birth may be the result of:

Certain medications
Diseases like measles or mumps (childhood vaccines are available for both viruses)
Ear infections
Exposure to loud noises
Head injuries