Parents should consult with their physician about any preparatory steps their child needs to take prior to the hearing test. Usually, these will be minimal. Prior to the test, a physician may perform a complete physical examination and compile a thorough medical history to evaluate potential causes of a child’s hearing problem.

Most hearing tests are performed in a hospital or other facility with a soundproof room. These tests unfold differently depending on the nature of the test being performed. A pediatric audiologist usually performs any behavioral tests. This is a specialist who can evaluate a child’s hearing loss.

It is important to note that a failure to pass an initial hearing test does not necessarily mean that a child has hearing loss. This is a commonplace occurrence, and follow-up testing is necessary to make sure that the child’s hearing is in fact deficient.

If a hearing loss is confirmed, the child likely will be referred to experts such as a hearing expert (known as an audiologist) and a pediatric ear, nose and throat specialist (known as an otolaryngologist). These experts can work together to further pinpoint the nature and source of a child’s hearing loss and to formulate a treatment plan.