Where do you get a child's hearing tested? I tried to look up Audiologist with our insurance but didn't see that category. My 8 year old daughter has had some issues and with a family history of hearing loss on both sides, I want her tested to see if it is something with her ears, or just normal kid selective hearing.
*EDIT*I am going to call her pediatrician on Monday. I know our insurance will cover it, and we don't need a referral for the insurance to cover it, just wondering who actually does the testing. I wasn't sure if an ENT does the testing or not. She had her hearing tested for kindergarten, but it was just with a tuning fork in the pediatricians office and I think she may have something else going on that needs a more in depth test. Thanks for the help Mama's.
An ENT can do it or refer you to someone reputable. The ENT that did my grandsons hearing test that came back deaf was the same ENT that cleaned out the inner ears and put tubes in and he can hear just fine now. The antibiotics had not touched the infections deep in his ears for some reason.
Usually insurance categorizes them as a "specialist" (just a general term). Some require you to get a referral through your GP, FP, or Ped, some you can set up on your own.
They (insurance companies) almost NEVER give their clients the "full" list of everything covered (it's thousands of items long, as anyone who has had to bill insurance/ aka codes can tell you).
The fastest way is just to call them up and ask what hearing testing is covered at, and if you need a referral.
have you asked your pediatrician for a referral? That's what we did when our dd was having ear issues. He recommended a good pediatric ear, nose and throat doctor.
I see that you have already received many helpful responses. Regarding the question in your edit, the audiologist actually performs the hearing test. If there are issues, they will work with an ENT for further testing (perhaps a CT Scan, etc.). Good luck to you and your daughter! I have a hearing impaired son, and I can understand the confusion.
ent's usually have an audiologist on staff if not they can refer you to one. you may need an abr
Most states REQUIRE a hearing test at K, 1, 2 and 3 by the school. If the school won't do it for some reason, ask them to pay for it under the IDEA (a federal statute requiring attention for learning disabilities).
My son is speech delayed, but we wanted to make sure it wasn't his hearing. His ped referred him. My experience has always been that you begin with your ped (or primary care physician). If he/she thinks a specialist is needed, one is referred and often an appointment is made for you. I've never made an appointment any other way.
Our pediatrician does a basic one yearly when the kids get their physicals and if it shows the is a problem or the is reason for concern they refer you. You an also ask the school to test her hearing. I have found that they don't always list everything in insurance company book sometimes its best to call and ask.
When my son had hearing problems I started with a test done by our MD. When that test came out with some issues we moved on to a ENT. He ended up being almost deaf in his right ear that required surgery to repair an ear bone. He now hears perfect!
C.
