Audiology

We see children aged 0–18 years of age at Sunshine Hospital, Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s. 

We see adults (18 years and over) at Footscray and Sunshine Hospital (internal referrals only).

Electrophysiological (objective) assessments 

Babies are required to be asleep for these tests. We recognise that, as a parent, you may be anxious about the test and about having your baby ready to sleep. We provide a quiet room and a very comfortable chair for caregivers nursing the baby. Our extended appointments allow time for settling your baby. 

Please bear in mind the following:

• If your baby is due for a feed close to the appointment time, hold off until you get here. Most babies sleep better on a full tummy.
• Try to keep your baby awake in the car on the way to the appointment.
• Bring a wrap to ‘swaddle’ your baby.
• Do not use any oils or creams on your baby’s head in the 24 hours prior to the appointment (this will ensure the electrodes stick properly).

Most babies will sleep long enough to allow some assessment.

Auditory brainstem response (ABR) 

This measures the electrical signal being carried to the brain by the hearing nerve. The baby is usually asleep for this test and will have 4 recording electrodes attached to their head and a small earphone in each ear canal. 

Auditory steady state response (ASSR) 

This measures the hearing response at different frequencies, using the same equipment as the ABR.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE)

This measures the function of the outer hair cells in the cochlea. This test involves placing a small plug in the ear canal, and the child hears a series of tones for about a minute. 

Tympanometry

This measures the function of the middle ear using a small probe in the ear canal. 

All behavioural assessments are conducted in a soundproof room. 

The assessment chosen for each patient will depend on age and developmental stage.

Behavioural observation audiometry (BOA)

For babies 4–8 months of age. Babies’ responses to a variety of sounds are observed by audiologists. 

Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)

For babies 8 months to 2–3 years of age. The child turns in the direction of a sound and is rewarded with a puppet in a lighted box. Accurate thresholds can be obtained. This can be performed with or without headphones. 

Play audiometry 

For children 3–5 years of age. The child puts a peg in a board or a block in a truck in response to hearing a sound. Accurate thresholds can be obtained. This can be performed with or without headphones. 

Pure tone audiometry (PTA)

The child or adult responds to sound by pressing a button.

The Western Health Audiology Department does not provide:

• auditory processing assessment
• hearing aid fittings
• vestibular assessments
• adult hearing assessments referred from external services
• fitting of assistive listening devices
• infant hearing screening:

The Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program is run by The Royal Children's Hospital and works in hospitals across the state to screen the hearing of all Victorian newborn babies in their first few weeks of life. The program aims to find out as early as possible whether a baby has a hearing loss. 

The screening: 

• is performed by trained hearing screeners
• uses standard technology (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response [AABR])
• is usually completed at the mother’s bedside while the baby is asleep (in hospital) or at an outpatient appointment.

The hearing screeners will contact you during your stay after your baby is born. Alternatively, they will contact you at home to offer you an appointment to have your baby's hearing tested.

Find out more on the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program website.