Pediatric Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)

At Ascentist Audiology & Vestibular Center, we understand that your child’s hearing plays a vital role in their development and everyday connection with the world. Pediatric visual reinforcement audiometry, or VRA, is a gentle and reliable way to evaluate hearing in infants and toddlers who are not yet able to complete traditional hearing tests.

The goal of VRA is to determine the quietest sounds your child reliably responds to across different pitches. These responses help our team understand your child’s hearing thresholds and identify potential hearing concerns early. 

When VRA Is Used

Visual reinforcement audiometry is appropriate when your child:

• Is between 6 months and 3 years old, an age when standard hearing tests are not effective 
• Cannot reliably use traditional headphones or response buttons, making modified earphones or sound field speakers more suitable 

What To Expect

During the test, your child sits on your lap or in a chair in a quiet room. The audiologist presents sounds at different volumes and frequencies using either small earphones or speakers placed around the room. When your child turns toward the sound, they are rewarded with a visual cue at 90 degrees to either side, such as an illuminated toy or an animated screen. This reinforcement encourages consistent responses and helps us gather accurate information about your child’s hearing.

VRA is comfortable and designed with young children in mind. The earphones may use foam tips, gently molded to your child’s ears or bone-conduction vibration when needed. If earphones are uncomfortable, sound field speakers may be used instead. Your audiologist will choose the approach that best fits your child’s needs. 

At Ascentist Audiology & Vestibular Center, we are dedicated to helping our youngest patients connect with the exciting sounds of childhood. No matter where you are on your child’s hearing journey, we are here to support your family with compassion and clear communication.