A pediatric audiologist examines children to identify hearing problems and to provide appropriate interventions for children who have hearing loss or hearing damage. Early detection of hearing problems in children can be critical, because it might provide more opportunities for treatment. In addition, it can prevent secondary complications of hearing loss, such as difficulty learning to speak or behavioral problems in the classroom that are caused by a child having trouble hearing directions. The pay scale for pediatric audiologists depends on their level of training and where they work.
One important part of a pediatric audiologist's job is newborn screenings. In some regions, such screenings are required, and in others, they are strongly recommended. The audiologist examines a newborn infant for any signs of hearing problems. If the infant's hearing appears healthy, the audiologist might meet with the parents to discuss prevention of hearing problems and recommendations such as periodic hearing screenings later in life to check for late-onset hearing problems or hearing damage.
In the case of screenings that reveal hearing problems or the start of a hearing issue, the pediatric audiologist will develop an appropriate approach to treatment. This balances the prevention of additional damage with therapies to help the child manage the existing hearing loss. This can include treating underlying diseases and other issues that can cause hearing loss, such as chronic ear infections.
Pediatric audiologists can fit children with hearing aids and implants and can make sure that those devices are working properly. Audiologists also can provide referrals to other care providers who might be helpful. Some children might start to learn sign language to have an alternate method of communication. Others might benefit from tutoring or a meeting with a specialist in disability accommodations to discuss adjustments to the classroom environment that might help the child learn. For example, a child who has hearing loss might need to sit at the front of the classroom to better follow the instructor.
The work environment for a pediatric audiologist might be a clinic, hospital, school or mobile hearing lab. Usually, these hearing professionals hold master's degrees in audiology and might pursue doctorates to improve their chances in the job market. Work as a pediatric audiologist can be dynamic and challenging, because each patient has unique needs, and the care provider must be able to customize a treatment program for individual patients and families. Good communication skills are critical for workers in this field, some of whom might learn sign language to communicate more easily with clients who are deaf or hard of hearing.
