Primary Children's Hospital - Salt Lake City

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Hearing

801-662-3277
801-662-4930

100 North Mario Capecchi Drive

Suite 4400,

Salt Lake City, UT 84113
pc-hearingcenter@imail.org

This department offers

  • Pediatric hearing
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The Hearing Center was established more than 10 years ago to help families obtain answers and treatment with their child’s hearing loss. Since many specialists are involved in diagnosing and treating your child, this center includes audiology, genetics, and otolaryngology (ENT) with consulting specialists in infectious disease, neurology, and ophthalmology.

What sets us apart

  • We provide clinic visits that include all the key specialists to reduce the need for countless visits to individual providers.
  • Our team is highly experienced and focused in giving you the best and most up-to-date care.
  • We have a program coordinator so you only need to call one person to coordinate visits or treatment.

What to expect

At your visit, you and your child will see a team of specialists including the Pediatric ENT, Medical Geneticist, Genetic counselor and Audiologist. After the physical examination, you will be provided with information about possible diagnosis for your child’s hearing loss and options for genetic testing.

Our team will work with you to obtain authorization from your insurance company for the genetic testing. After the testing is completed, you will have a follow-up visit with the geneticist and genetic counselor to discuss the results.

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Genetic Causes of Hearing Loss

Recent research studies on the causes of hearing loss in children show that a genetic cause makes up a much higher amount than previously thought. From recent advances in genetics, we have learned that about 2 of 3 infants born with hearing loss due to inner ear changes have a physical difference in a gene (or genes) that is the reason for the loss. Another important point is that about 1 out of 6 children with hearing loss will have it as one sign of a known genetic syndrome.

In addition many children with hearing loss that is discovered later in childhood (for example, at a school screening) have a genetic reason for the hearing issue. Current research shows that there are more than 200 known genes that play a role in causing hearing loss in children and adults. Testing for many of these genes, including the most common one that causes hearing loss in infants known as connexin 26, is now available in laboratories in Utah and the US.

The Hearing Center team

Learn about the roles of our team members and how they work together.

Pediatric ENTs evaluate the structures of the ear, nose, and throat. They manage problems related to hearing and airway and problems with speech (Velopharyngeal Insufficiency).

An audiologist will evaluate and counsel on your child’s hearing needs and/or concerns and make appropriate referrals to a managing audiologist at one of Primary Children’s Audiology Clinics. If your child is having difficulty with their device or needing a new earmold, the audiologist may be able to troubleshoot or take impressions during your visit. Audiometric testing will not currently be available at the hearing assessment clinic, however this may be an option in the future.

Genetic counselors work as members of a healthcare team, providing risk assessment, education and support to individuals and families at risk for, or diagnosed with, a variety of inherited conditions. Genetic counselors also interpret genetic testing, provide supportive counseling, and serve as patient advocates. In the Hearing Clinic, a genetic counselor works closely with the Medical Geneticist and may take your child’s medical history and family history, discuss testing options and meet with you to discuss test results and their implications.

Medical geneticists are physicians who specialize in understanding the interaction between your child’s genes and their health. These physicians are trained to evaluate, manage, treat, and counsel patients and families who are at risk for or have a diagnosis of a genetic condition. In the Hearing Center the medical geneticist, working closely with the genetic counselor, will help the team in finding a cause, including a genetic cause, of your child’s hearing loss. This goal will include reviewing the medical history, performing a physical examination looking for clues for a diagnosis, and discussing the possibility of gene testing if indicated.

Nurse coordinators assist families with coordinating services. They help coordinate appointments, recommended testing, and communication from the team. The coordinator will assist with scheduling follow-up appointment to discuss results and will also make sure the Hearing Center team members work together to provide the best care for you and your child.