Our ability to hear is an extremely important sensory skill that defines our ability to communicate. Humans are the most evolved animals on earth and are capable of communicating with a great deal of detail. A lack of hearing will impair an individual throughout life, limiting his or her ability to communicate. If this problem exists in a child, then early detection is important. Early detection will ensure that alternative methods of communication can be taught to the child and the parents. This will also ensure that the child is not ostracized by his or her social group for lack of conformity.
The process of hearing is governed by the proper functioning of the outer, middle and inner ear. This function is also governed by the proper functioning of the nervous system and of the brain when it receives the signals from the ears. Any of these parts may fail and thus cause hearing problems. In some cases, early detection may help in repair and recovery. A hearing test is therefore essential for individuals who have problems with hearing. For adults, a hearing test involves the adult responding to the sounds that he or she has heard. This can be easily conducted using language skills that are already developed. This does not apply when one considers a hearing test for toddlers or a hearing test for children and mainly so when it come to hearing test for infants. Toddlers and children do not necessarily have the communication skills that adults possess. The hearing test for toddlers and the hearing test for children are also limited by the requirement for a parent or caregiver to be present in the room with the child as the child may be restless and may not pay attention otherwise.
The hearing test for toddlers therefore depends on a different type of response from the toddler or the child. The hearing test for children may work with the child pointing out images or colors based on sounds and words that are heard. However, for toddlers, the hearing test for toddlers cannot be performed in this way. The hearing test for toddlers depends on the use of electrodes to check for brain activity. This type of test can determine whether there is any signal reaching the brain at all. Another hearing test for toddlers is the use of equipment to detect if there is a proper reflection of sound within the ear canal. Both these tests are performed once the child has shown some signs of being unable to hear properly.