CPT® Code 92579

Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA) is a specialized auditory assessment technique designed specifically for infants and young children to evaluate their hearing capabilities. This procedure utilizes a combination of auditory stimuli and visual rewards to engage the child and encourage them to respond to sounds. During the VRA, the child is placed in a controlled testing environment equipped with toys that are strategically positioned in boxes on either side of them. These toys serve as visual reinforcements, which are activated by the audiologist when the child responds to auditory cues. The process begins with conditioning trials, where the child is exposed to sounds of varying intensities while simultaneously being shown the visual reinforcement. As the child learns to associate the sound with the movement and illumination of the toy, they are conditioned to turn their head towards the source of the sound. The audiologist then systematically lowers the intensity of the sound to determine the softest level at which the child can still detect the sound, indicated by their gaze towards the toy. This method not only assesses the child's hearing thresholds but also provides a playful and engaging way to evaluate auditory responses in a population that may not be able to communicate their hearing abilities verbally. The results of the VRA are meticulously recorded by the audiologist, culminating in a comprehensive written report detailing the findings of the assessment.