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Pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)
What is a pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) test?
Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) is a test that allows an audiologist to assess hearing in infants and toddlers too young for normal tests. VRA relies on behavioral conditioning to train very young kids to respond to sounds. It is designed for children aged 6 months to around 2 to 3 years old.
VRA uses a machine called an audiometer to test a child's hearing threshold levels. Standard pure tone audiometers use headphones and a feedback button, so they are not practical for young kids. VRA replaces the headphones with earphones (usually with foam tips) or sound field speakers. Visual reinforcers such as video animations or lighted toys are placed 90-degrees to each side of the patient to "train" the child to look toward the direction of the sound.
What can I expect with a pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) test?
Video reinforcement audiometry uses a machine called an audiometer to assess a child's hearing threshold levels. A standard pure tone audiometer uses headphones and a feedback button so a patient can respond to different sound levels.
Because the device is too complex for very young children, VRA usually includes the following modifications:
- Earphones - Young children don't respond well to normal headphones, so VRA relies on transducers inserted into the child's ears. They may have either foam tips or personal ear molds made for your child's ears. Earphones may also use bone conduction vibration for improved accuracy.
- Sound field speakers - Like headphones, earphones may be uncomfortable for certain infants and toddlers. In some cases, the audiologist may rely on "surround sound" speakers to perform the tests.
- Visual reinforcers - Because very young children can't respond to sounds by clicking a button, VRA uses visual reinforcers instead. These can be video-based or made up of animated toys placed in dark Plexiglas boxes located 90-degrees to each side of the child. The boxes are lit to elicit a head turn associated with a sound source.
Visual reinforcement audiology (VRA) measures hearing sensitivity in infants and young toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years. While the child sits upright on a parent or caregiver's lap in a soundproof room, the audiologist plays a tone or some other sound to one of the child's ears. At first, the audiologist lights up the boxes in conjunction with the sound. This "trains" the child to respond by shifting her eyes or turning her head toward the sound source. Once a child understands what to do, the audiologist can "reward" the child by briefly delaying the visual stimuli.
During the test, the audiologist reduces the intensity of both the sound and the stimuli until the child's minimum hearing threshold is reached. Tests continue using different frequencies until the audiologist has a complete set of data about your child's hearing in both ears.
What can I expect during pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) testing?
The child sits upright on a parent or caregiver’s lap in a soundproof room. The audiologist will trigger visual stimuli in conjunction with sounds to collect the data.
Pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) doctors and providers
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Jennifer Alford, AuD Audiologist -
Bethany Baumgart, AuD Audiologist -
Julie Behar, AuD Audiologist -
Bethany Brum, AuD Audiologist -
Tiana Delgado, AuD Audiologist -
William Even, AuD Audiologist -
Jason Feinberg, AuD Audiologist -
Kelli Freeman, AuD Audiologist -
Andrew Golboro, AuD Audiologist -
Brenna Holloway, AuD Audiologist -
Laurie Huynh, AuD Audiologist -
Jenna Jones, AuD Audiologist -
Cheyanne Keesee, AuD Audiologist -
Kristyn Kupper, AuD Audiologist -
Christina Lobarinas, AuD Audiologist -
Amanda Lovering, AuD Audiologist -
Kelly Martin, AuD Audiologist -
Kris Owen, AuD Audiologist -
Santiago Perez, AuD Audiologist -
Sarah Elizabeth Taylor Phillips, AuD Audiologist -
Maritza Reyes, AuD Audiologist -
Madalyn Rieck, AuD Audiologist -
Teriann Scheets, AuD Audiologist -
Paige Wahl, AuD Audiologist -
Johanna Whitson AuD, AuD Audiologist
Frequently Asked Questions
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How does pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) work?
The audiologist uses video animation or lights up a toy hidden in a dark Plexiglas box in conjunction with a sound. Once the child understands the test, this "reinforcer" acts as a reward when he shifts his eyes or turns his head toward the sound.
Visual reinforcers are located at eye level, 90 degrees to either side of the child's head. The audiologist reduces the intensity of both the sound and visual stimuli until she determines your child's minimum hearing threshold. She will continue using different frequencies in both ears until she has a complete set of data for your child.
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What does pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) measure?
An audiologist can use VRA to measure your child's hearing sensitivity. Hearing thresholds are usually plotted on a graph called an audiogram. An audiogram shows audible thresholds over different frequencies. The data from the audiogram can help the audiologist to determine both the degree and type of hearing loss your child has, if any.
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Who needs pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) testing?
Standard hearing tests that use headphones and feedback buttons are too complex for very young kids. VRA is used on infants and children aged 6 months to between 2 and 3 years.
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Where does pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) take place?
Visual reinforcement audiometry requires specialized devices and a soundproof room. It is typically performed by an audiologist in an ear, nose and throat (ENT) clinic.
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What equipment is used for pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)?
VRA uses a standard audiometer modified with earphones or sound field speakers. Visual reinforcers such as video animations or lighted toys are placed 90-degrees to each side of your child to "train" her to look toward the direction of a sound.
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What does pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) test for?
An audiologist uses VRA to measure your child’s hearing thresholds over several frequencies. Children with hearing loss can be referred to an appropriate specialist.
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What if my child becomes distracted during the pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) test?
Young children often become distracted or bored during VRA testing and need frequent breaks. Sometimes, social reinforcement such as clapping or cheering can be used to complement visual reinforcers.
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Are there drawbacks to pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) testing?
In addition to lacking attention spans, some kids won’t tolerate the earphones. In that case, the audiologist will rely on “sound field” testing, which isn’t ear-specific.