Pediatric Audiologist in Lafayette, Louisiana
Looking for a pediatric audiologist in Lafayette or anywhere in Acadiana? ACI Hearing Center's four Doctors of Audiology provide comprehensive hearing evaluation and hearing aid services for children of all ages — from newborn screening follow-up through teenage years. As Lafayette's longest-serving audiology practice (since 1984), our pediatric audiologists use age-appropriate testing methods designed specifically for infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teens.
Why pediatric hearing care matters early
Hearing affects how children learn to speak, read, and connect with the world around them. Even a mild hearing loss can slow down speech development, hurt classroom performance, and make social situations harder. The Louisiana Department of Health requires newborn hearing screening for every baby born in the state, but a single screening is just the start. Children's hearing should be re-evaluated whenever a parent or teacher has a concern.
At ACI Hearing Center, we have been caring for Lafayette and Acadiana families since 1984. Our four Doctors of Audiology have decades of combined experience working with infants, toddlers, school-age children, and teenagers.
How we test children
Pediatric hearing testing is not the same as adult testing. We pick the method that matches your child's age and developmental stage:
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) — used for newborns and infants who cannot respond behaviorally. A small soft probe in the ear measures whether the inner ear is working.
- Auditory brainstem response (ABR) — measures the hearing nerve's response while your child sleeps or rests. Best for babies and young toddlers.
- Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) — for ages 6 months to about 2.5 years. Your child looks toward a sound and is rewarded with a lighted toy.
- Play audiometry — for ages 2.5 to about 5. Your child drops a block in a bucket or stacks rings when they hear a sound.
- Standard pure-tone audiometry — for school-age children and older, same as adult testing.
- Tympanometry — measures middle ear function, important for kids with frequent ear infections.
Pediatric hearing aid fitting
When a child needs hearing aids, fit and follow-up matter even more than for adults. Children's ears grow, their listening needs change as they hit school milestones, and they need devices built to handle real-life use. We use real-ear measurements to verify each fitting matches your child's individual ear canal. We also help families with school accommodations and FM/remote-microphone system integration so your child can hear the teacher clearly across the classroom.
What to expect at your child's first visit
Plan for about 60 to 90 minutes. We start with a conversation about what you have noticed, your child's medical history, and any prior testing. Then we test in a way that fits your child — sometimes that means sitting on a parent's lap, sometimes it means making it a game. We share results with you the same day, in plain language, and we coordinate with your pediatrician or ENT if needed.
Meet our pediatric audiologists
All four of ACI Hearing Center's Doctors of Audiology see pediatric patients. Each one brings decades of combined experience working with Lafayette and Acadiana families:
- Dr. Kimberly L. Allred, Au.D. — Owner and lead pediatric audiologist. Trained at the University of Florida. Serving Lafayette since 1984.
- Dr. Elizabeth LeMaire, Au.D. — Doctor of Audiology with ULL and LSU Health training. Sees pediatric patients of all ages.
- Dr. Sarah Lalande-Davies, Au.D. — LSU and LSU Health New Orleans trained, with particular experience in pediatric audiology and special-needs evaluations.
- Dr. Courtney Barbier, Au.D. — Doctor of Audiology with ULL and LSU Health training, experienced with school-age hearing evaluations.
For a deeper look at each provider's credentials and background, see our audiology team page. To learn more about how a pediatric audiologist differs from a pediatrician or hearing aid dispenser, see the FAQ below.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age can my child get a hearing test at ACI Hearing Center?
ACI Hearing Center evaluates patients of all ages, including infants and young children. We use age-appropriate testing methods such as visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) for toddlers, play audiometry for preschoolers, and standard testing for older children. Newborn hearing screening follow-up is available.
What are signs my child might have a hearing problem?
Common signs include not responding to their name, delayed speech, frequently asking you to repeat things, turning the TV volume up high, struggling in school, or favoring one ear on the phone. If your child failed a school screening or a newborn hearing screening, schedule a full diagnostic evaluation.
Does ACI Hearing Center fit hearing aids on children?
Yes. We fit pediatric-specific hearing aids and use real-ear measurements to verify the fitting matches your child's individual ear canal acoustics. Pediatric hearing aids are smaller, more durable, and often include features like locking battery doors and brighter color options.
Do you accept Louisiana Medicaid for pediatric hearing services?
We accept many Louisiana insurance plans. Coverage for pediatric audiology and hearing aids varies by plan. Call our office at (337) 223-9448 and we will verify your specific benefits before your appointment.
How often should children get their hearing tested?
Children should have a baseline hearing test at birth, again before starting school, and annually if they have known hearing concerns, recurring ear infections, or speech delays. School-age children should be retested if they show any signs of hearing difficulty or academic decline.
Can ear infections cause permanent hearing loss in children?
Frequent or untreated ear infections can lead to temporary or, in rare cases, permanent hearing loss. We work with your pediatrician and ENT to monitor middle ear function with tympanometry and recommend treatment if fluid persists. Early intervention protects long-term hearing and speech development.
Do you provide hearing services for children with special needs?
Yes. Our four Doctors of Audiology have experience evaluating children with autism, Down syndrome, developmental delays, and other special needs. We adjust our testing approach to your child's communication style and energy level.
What should we bring to my child's first appointment?
Bring your insurance card, a list of current medications, any previous hearing test results, and notes about specific concerns from teachers, daycare providers, or your pediatrician. If your child uses a comfort item, bring that too — visits are more successful when kids feel relaxed.
Schedule an Appointment
Call ACI Hearing Center at (337) 223-9448 or request an appointment online. We are located at 103 Saint Thomas Street, Lafayette, LA 70506.