Pediatric Services

PEDIATRIC SERVICES ON LONG ISLAND & THE BRONX, NY

Click any of the sections below to learn about our Pediatric Diagnostic Services.

Pediatric audiological evaluation: hearing evaluation for infants and children, which may include play audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, tympanometry and acoustic reflex tests, sound field distraction procedures, as appropriate for each child. 

At The Hearing Center at Pelham we have a special interest in pediatric audiology. Many parents ask: “I’m curious…how are you going to check my baby’s hearing? He isn’t talking yet and he doesn’t know how to follow directions!” Good question – we can test a child’s hearing at any age. Just how we do that depends on the age and abilities of the individual child. Some of our measurements are physiologic. These are objective tests that measure what is going on in the ear without requiring responses from the child. These include “Otoacoustic Emissions” – the technology used in the newborn nurseries to screen for hearing loss. A tiny plug is placed in the child’s ear canal, a sound goes in and a response comes back from the cochlea – the sensory part of the inner ear. It is quick and easy.

Another physiologic measurement is Tympanometry. It’s also quick and easy, and tells us if the middle ear and Eustachian tube are functioning well.

The remainder of the basic hearing test is behavioral. Sometimes we simply observe how the baby responds to a variety of sounds while sitting on the parent’s lap. We note localization towards the sound, vocal responses, or even changes in sucking patterns. For toddlers we can often get a complete “audiogram” by making the test into a “put the block into a box” game. Children not ready to speak can often point to toys when asked. The trick is to tailor the test to each child’s ability.

When there is concern about the hearing status we sometimes do a test called “auditory brainstem response test.” This is another physiologic test that tracks how sounds create impulses that travel along the hearing nerve.

Many children are referred to us because they are not developing speech and language as expected. It is important to be sure that ear or hearing problems are not contributing to a delay in speech. We review our findings with the parents, and send complete reports to the referring physician or early intervention program.

If a child does have a hearing loss, early diagnosis and intervention is tremendously important to ensure strong language, academic and social skills without unnecessary delays. We know more today about helping children with hearing loss than ever before. Technology has blossomed, and great support services are available to be sure each child reaches his or her full potential.

Remember that no one knows your child like you do. If you are in any way concerned about your child’s hearing or listening behaviors, check it out. You are your child’s best advocate.

Auditory Processing Evaluations: to identify problems with understanding speech, following directions, or listening in different environments.

Children with APD may exhibit a variety of listening and related complaints. For example, they may have difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments, following directions, and discriminating (or telling the difference between) similar-sounding speech sounds. Sometimes they may behave as if a hearing loss is present, often asking for repetition or clarification.In school, children with APD may have difficulty with spelling, reading, and understanding information presented verbally in the classroom. Often their performance in classes that don’t rely heavily on listening is much better, and they typically are able to complete a task independently once they know what is expected of them. However, it is critical to understand that these same types of symptoms may be apparent in children who do not exhibit auditory processing deficits. Therefore, we should always keep in mind that not all language and learning problems are due to APD, and all cases of APD do not lead to language and learning problems. APD cannot be diagnosed from a symptoms checklist. No matter how many symptoms of APD a child may have, only careful and accurate diagnostics can determine the underlying cause.

To diagnose APD, the audiologist will administer a series of tests in a sound-treated room. These tests require listeners to attend to a variety of signals and to respond to them via repetition, pushing a button, or in some other way. Other tests that measure the auditory system’s physiologic responses to sound may also be administered. Most of the tests of APD require that a child be at least 7 or 8 years of age because the variability in brain function is so marked in younger children that test interpretation may not be possible.

Once a diagnosis of APD is made, the nature of the disorder is determined. There are many types of auditory processing deficits and, because each child is an individual, APD may manifest itself in a variety of ways. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the type of auditory deficit a given child exhibits so that individualized management and treatment activities may be recommended that address his or her specific areas of difficulty.

Hearing aid evaluation and recommendations.

We provide expert hearing aid fittings of state-of-the-art digital hearing aids from a variety of manufacturers. Options are tailored to the individual. We offer extensive follow-up and counseling for patients and family members.

Hearing aid service and reprogramming, batteries, accessories, assistive devices.

The Hearing Center provides a range of hearing aid products, batteries and accessories to support and protect hearing aid use. Talk to our hearing service professionals about products that compliment your individual needs.Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs) expand the functionality of hearing aids by helping you separate the sounds you want to hear from background noise, and by enabling you to hear when the speaker is more than a few feet away.
The speaker talks into a microphone, and the speech is sent straight to your ear, thus avoiding the degrading effects of noise and distance on speech intelligibility.

Bluetooth: More hearing aids are equipped to allow for gateway devices that enable digital audio streaming from Bluetooth devices to the hearing aid. If you enjoy Bluetooth-enabled audio devices, such as cell phones, TVs, or computers, you will probably want to check this out.

T-coils: T-Coils allow individuals to access to induction loop systems. An induction or hearing loop system gives off a magnetic field, eliminating the need for any receiver other than your t-coil located within your hearing aid. Using a t-coil and hearing loop together is seamless, cost-effective, unobtrusive, and wireless. You don’t have to obtain extra equipment.

Custom molds for noise protection, swimming, Ipod/cell phones, and hearing aids.

For the ultimate in custom fit, protection and sound clarity, consider ear molds.Why use custom ear molds?

– to protect hearing from hazardous environments (airport workers, landscapers, construction personnel, demolition crews)
– to better tune in to music, computers, or gaming devices
– for shooting environments – protects form muzzle blasts
– for swimming – to ensure inner ears remain dry
– for sleeping – assures peace and quiet
– to replace existing hearing aid molds due to damage

Happy Patients

Patient Reviews

Read a Few of Our Google Reviews

4.8 out of 5 Stars based on 366 Reviews on Google.

Read what some of our patients have to say about our staff and our clinic!

Our audiologist was highly competent, pleasant and caring. She addressed any concerns I had about my new hearing aids, making the necessary adjustments to improve sound quality. The office is run well. I would recommend this practice to anyone interested in hearing better.

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Mary Raad, on Google

I had gotten molded swim ear plugs for my son many years ago from Mcquire’s and decided to get a pair for myself now. They were very accommodating and just as nice, professional and clear in explaining the procedure as they were all those years ago! Audiologist was very good...

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Lynn Wilson, on Google

McGuire over the many years has handled my hearing needs competently and efficiently. Always ready to make adjustments for comfortable fit and hearing.

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Nicolo DiBartolo, on Google

We have been going to McGuires for over 20 years. The audiologists are very well trained and experienced. Christina , Mary and Carissa are helpful and knowledgeable

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Lester Bragin, on Google

If you are hearing impaired, CALL MCGUIRE HEARING CENTRR! I have been so fortunate to have been a recipient of McGuire Hearing Foundations free hearing aids. I’ve struggled with progressive hearing loss for several years , lately becoming somewhat depressed as I could not hear the TV, or anything that...

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Eil6446 Fogarty, on Google

Recently went to McGuires for a check up. Making an appointment was easy and quick. I met with Janet Shalley was nothing short of fantastic. From the examination to the adjustment of my hearing aid...absolutely fantastic. I would highly recommend them to everyone... Great Job!!

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Paul Dapontes, on Google

This review is long overdue! My 94 year old mum has been going to McGuire's Hearing Center for over 5 years now. She would not go any where else! The unbelievable service that she receives from Dawn, Mary and Kathy are amazing. They are ALL incredibly hard working, patient, kind,...

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Thisker m, on Google

Excellent attention and care from all staff at MGuire’s. Very little waiting so it’s an easy and efficient appointment. Very responsive to all questions/concerns Very happy w my hearing aids

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Renell Sullivan, on Google

What a great experience! I had been procrastinating looking into getting a hearing device for too long. Dr. Hayden dispensed my hearing tests and was incredibly professional, understanding, and knowledgeable and made me feel very comfortable. She was able to answer all my questions and concerns as well as determine...

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Ellen Robertson, on Google

I’ve been taking my brother in law to Mcguires for years! They are very professional and so pleasant to deal with. He is almost deaf in both ears so it’s imperative to tweak the little hearing he has. They do the job well! A special shout out to Karen, their...

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Suzie Petykowski, on Google

I've been to three other audiologists in my life, and including other medical practices, I've never experienced a more pleasant and professional office staff,(of two.) I know Kathy, (with a "K"',) went to extreme lengths working with a new and difficult insurer, mine, and secured results I couldn't. She secured...

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Bob D., on Google

Mcguire's Hearing Aids & Audiology Services

Attn our new, existing and loyal clients. Here is the consumer alert announcement for the Vermont attorney general, View Article