Audiology FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child’s hearing be tested?
Hearing can be assessed at any age. Appropriate evaluation methods will be used based on your child’s chronological and developmental age.
What is Universal Newborn Hearing Screening?All infants born in the state of Illinois are required to have their hearing screened at birth or shortly after. If your child did not receive a screening at birth, or failed a screening at their birth hospital, a hearing evaluation should be scheduled.
How do I know if my child needs a hearing evaluation?
If you have any concerns regarding your child’s hearing, you may request a hearing evaluation. A hearing evaluation may be recommended as a result of:
- Missed or failed Universal Newborn Hearing Screening
- Failed school hearing screening
- Referral from primary care physician
- Referral from therapist
- Referral from Early Intervention
A hearing evaluation may also be needed if your child’s birth/medical history is significant for any of the following:
- Use of mechanical ventilator to help your child breathe for more than five days
- Blood transfusion
- IV antibiotics
- Chemotherapy
- Family history of hearing loss
- Syndromes known to be associated with hearing loss
What will happen at my child’s hearing evaluation?
- The audiology professional will ask you questions to better understand your child’s background, medical history and primary concerns.
- Diagnostic test(s) will be used to assess your child’s hearing abilities.
- Results and recommendations will be shared with you at the conclusion of the evaluation.
How do I make an appointment for a hearing evaluation?
Call 1.800.KIDS DOC and ask to be scheduled at the site closest to you. At this time you may be given the number to call the outpatient center directly.
What should I do before the evaluation?
- Obtain a physician's referral (order/prescription) for the evaluation. You may bring it with you to the appointment or have the physician fax it to the appropriate site.
- Check with your insurance provider to verify coverage for evaluation and possible treatment. It is important that you understand your benefits and that you verify insurance coverage and any restrictions.
- If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please call 1.800.KIDS DOC no later than 24 hours before the scheduled appointment.
What should I bring to the evaluation?
- Copies of any previous evaluations or progress summaries: Audiology (hearing testing), ENT reports, speech/language therapy, developmental/psychological evaluations, and/or an individualized education plan (IEP).
- Physician referral, if not previously faxed to the department.
- You may be asked to bring other items to the evaluation. This will be discussed with you when your evaluation is scheduled.
If my child needs hearing services, will I be able to receive them at Children's Memorial Hospital?
We make every effort to schedule you at one of our facilities to meet your needs. If a time slot is not immediately available, we will provide you with other community resources.
Does Children's Memorial Hospital accept my insurance? Will my insurance pay for an evaluation and therapy?
- Children's Memorial Hospital accepts a variety of insurance carriers. First, contact your insurance provider to determine if hearing evaluations and services will be covered. It is important that you understand your benefits and that you verify insurance coverage and any restrictions.
- If you have additional questions or problems regarding insurance, you may also contact our patient registration account liaison at 773.327.2898.