The audiology department at RCH is a public diagnostic service that specialises in diagnosing hearing losses in children up to 18 years old.

The audiology department is independent of the ear nose and throat (ENT) department who currently have a long waiting list, though we do work closely with ENT specialists.

Our team of experienced and dedicated audiologists are committed to providing excellent evidence based practice and are involved in quality improvement activities to provide best practice outcomes for children and their families.

A variety of different types of audiology services are offered at RCH. One or several of these tests may be used to assess your child’s hearing depending on their development.

Behavioural assessments

• Behavioural Observational Audiometry (BOA)
• Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
• Play Audiometry
• Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)

Objective / Electrophysiological assessments

• Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
• Auditory Steady state responses (ASSR)
• Otoacoustic emissions (OAEs)
• Tympanometry

Please note the RCH audiology department does not offer:

• Auditory processing assessments
• Hearing aid service

Appointment information

Hearing tests take place in soundproof test rooms. It is important the room is quiet and free of distractions during the assessment. If possible please arrange a helper to mind other children during the test.

Infant hearing is assessed using electrophysiological tests while your baby is asleep.

A child's guide to hospital: Audiology