The Children’s Hearing Program (CHP) at the UHealth Ear Institute is one of the few comprehensive programs for children with hearing loss in the U.S.

One of the primary goals of the Children’s Hearing Program is early hearing detection and intervention (EHDI). Because the critical period for language learning is from birth to age 3, early diagnosis of hearing loss is crucial. Without appropriate opportunities to learn language, children with hearing loss fall behind their hearing peers in language, cognition and social-emotional development.

CHP was developed to provide a breadth of high-quality services designed to meet the specific needs of children with hearing loss, from birth to age 18, and their families.

A unique resource in South Florida since 2013, the UHealth CHP allows children with hearing loss to benefit from a new, enhanced level of multidisciplinary treatment and service that enables them to reach their full potential.

CHP strives to be the national model for improving the health and well-being of children living with hearing loss through innovative patient care and family support. The multidisciplinary team includes otologists (ear surgeons), audiologists, speech language pathologists, educators and other healthcare professionals. They provide services ranging from hearing evaluations, speech therapy, education, research, family support and community outreach.

Tests

Newborn Hearing Screening
In many cases, your child’s congenital hearing disorder will be diagnosed shortly after birth during a routine newborn hearing screening. Also, during the process of the newborn hearing screening, the tester will identify factors that can increase the risk of late onset hearing loss. Late onset hearing in children means hearing loss that becomes detectable after three to six months of age. Audiologists will schedule follow-up diagnostic appointments at appropriate time intervals to make sure that late onset hearing loss does not occur without being discovered quickly.

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluation
In some less-severe cases of hearing loss, your child’s hearing problem may not be discovered right away. If the pediatrician suspects your child has a hearing problem, your child’s doctor will recommend a diagnostic hearing evaluation.

Genetic Testing
Genetic testing before or after birth can help uncover the causes of hearing loss.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing
This painless hearing test measures how your child’s nerves respond to sound using electrodes placed on the scalp.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing
When you hear a sound, your inner ear also produces a very faint sound. This test checks the function of the inner ear by listening for the sound it creates when you hear.

Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Testing
This testing evaluates how your child’s brain processes sound. Your child will hear various sounds in soundproof room and will need to respond to the sounds in certain ways.

Treatments

Speech-Language Therapy
Working with a speech-language pathologist can help your child or teenager develop language skills.

Augmentative and Assistive Communication (AAC)
Your child’s audiologist may recommend using some type of augmentative and AAC to help them express needs, thoughts, and emotions.

Hearing Aids
Wearing a hearing aid may help your child hear better. There are many types of hearing aids available, and your child’s audiologist can help you and your child explore options.

Cochlear Implant
If your child has substantial hearing loss, your ENT doctor may recommend a cochlear implant, a surgically implanted device that can improve hearing.

Auditory Verbal Therapy
Auditory verbal therapy (AVT) helps teach children with hearing loss how to effectively use sound and speak more fluently.

Music Therapy
Music therapy can help children express their emotions as well as improve hearing in children with hearing loss.

Counseling
Most children with hearing loss are born to hearing parents. Counseling can help families work through difficulties surrounding hearing loss.

Questions? We're here to help.

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