New hearing test equipment for Guernsey children funded by charity
- Guernsey Hard of Hearing charity has funded upgraded Visual Reinforcement Audiometry equipment for children's hearing assessments
- The new system will particularly benefit older children, those with autism or developmental delay, and children with visual impairment
- Upgraded equipment helps keep children engaged longer and enables clinicians to gather more reliable results within fewer appointments
- The system combines sounds with visual rewards such as lights or animations to encourage children to respond when they hear a noise
- Parents can access the service through referrals from GPs, health visitors, school nurses, ENT specialists, speech therapists, or paediatricians
Children in Guernsey are set to benefit from more effective and inclusive hearing assessments following an upgrade to Visual Reinforcement Audiometry equipment, supported by funding from the Guernsey Hard of Hearing charity.
The upgraded VRA towers enhance how paediatric hearing assessments can be delivered, with particular benefits for older children who require more stimulation during testing, children with autism or developmental delay, and those with visual impairment, where adaptability in testing is essential.
The system combines sounds with carefully timed visual rewards, such as lights or animations, to gently encourage a child to respond when they hear a noise. The upgraded system improves this experience, helping keep children engaged for longer and enabling clinicians to gather more reliable results within fewer appointments.
Amy Vermeulen, audiologist at MSG, said: "Early identification of hearing loss is critical in helping children develop speech, language and communication skills, while also supporting their confidence and education. VRA is already a vital tool in paediatric audiology and these enhancements build on that, helping us to engage a wider range of children more effectively, in a way that feels natural and reassuring. Thank you to Guernsey Hard of Hearing for funding this vital piece of equipment."
Jackie Sholl, from Guernsey Hard of Hearing, said: "We're proud to be able to fund this upgrade which will make such a difference to children and families in Guernsey. Early diagnosis can have a life-changing impact and this investment ensures the audiology team have access to modern tools that support the best possible outcomes for young patients."
The upgraded VRA towers are already a routine and essential part of paediatric audiology at MSG's Audiology service.
Parents who wish to access the service will need to ensure their child is referred to MSG's Audiology service. Referrals can be made through a GP, health visitor, school nurse, ENT specialist, speech and therapy team, or paediatrician.
Q&A
Q: What is Visual Reinforcement Audiometry?
A: VRA is a hearing assessment system that combines sounds with carefully timed visual rewards, such as lights or animations, to encourage a child to respond when they hear a noise. This helps keep children engaged during testing and enables clinicians to gather reliable results.
Q: Which children will benefit most from the upgraded equipment?
A: The upgraded system will particularly benefit older children who require more stimulation during testing, children with autism or developmental delay, and those with visual impairment, where adaptability in testing is essential.
Q: How can parents access the audiology service?
A: Parents need to ensure their child is referred to MSG's Audiology service through a GP, health visitor, school nurse, ENT specialist, speech and therapy team, or paediatrician.
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