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A New Way to Control Engagement in Your Flex VRA System: Introducing House Rules
It's a common request from audiologists using the Flex VRA system. "The videos on Flex look great, but during visual reinforcement audiometry I want the center monitor to be less engaging. I need children turning toward the left and right reinforcers, not focusing on the middle screen." Because Flex VRA is a software-driven VRA system, these kinds of refinements have been easy to work around. However, after hearing this request from multiple clinics across the country, we de
Steve Smith
6 days ago2 min read


How Can You Prepare Your Child for a Visual Reinforcement Audiometry Test?
Hearing tests can feel intimidating for both children and parents, especially if it’s the first time. The good news is that today’s pediatric audiology technology, like Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) , makes testing more fun, engaging, and accurate than ever before. Still, a little preparation can go a long way in helping your child feel comfortable and confident during their appointment. In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect during a VRA test and share simple, e
Steve Smith
Dec 13 min read


New Audiology Research for Enhancing Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) Systems with Evidence-Based Reinforcers
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8061901 In pediatric audiology, achieving reliable behavioral thresholds is often the most critical step in diagnosing hearing loss. For infants and toddlers, the method of choice is visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA). Recently the study by Bonino et al. (2021) titled “Visual Reinforcers Designed for Children with Developmental Disabilities” has provided actionable insights for improving VRA system performance and outcomes. Visual
Steve Smith
Nov 112 min read


Turn Better Focus into Better Pediatric Audiology Outcomes with FlexPC
Testing a child’s hearing can be one of the most demanding tasks an audiologist faces. Since Flex VRA’s inception in 2018, we’ve had the privilege of observing clinicians across the country perform visual reinforcement audiometry evaluations and one thing is clear. . . Every session with a young child has a limited window of focus. Once that attention window opens, the clock starts ticking. The moment you begin testing, distractions are always waiting. Wiggling, snack request
Steve Smith
Oct 292 min read


The Science Behind Pediatric Audiology: How Children Respond to Visual Cues
When it comes to testing young children’s hearing, traditional methods used for adults just won’t work. That’s where pediatric audiology steps in—a specialized field that tailors hearing evaluations to match the developmental and behavioral needs of infants and toddlers. One of the most effective tools in this space is Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) , which relies heavily on how children respond to visual cues. At Flex VRA , we’ve developed innovative VRA systems to su
Steve Smith
Sep 232 min read


Why Hey Bear Sensory Toys Are a Game-Changer for Visual Reinforcement Audiometry?
Introduction: Engagement Is Everything in Pediatric Audiology In pediatric audiology, keeping a child’s attention during testing can be the difference between a successful appointment and inconclusive results. Traditional animated toys and static visual cues often fail to hold interest, especially for children with sensory needs, autism, or Down syndrome. That’s where Hey Bear Sensory Toys , now exclusively integrated into the Flex VRA system , are making a difference. By co
Steve Smith
Sep 233 min read


Keep Your Pediatric VRA Testing Distraction-Free with Touchscreen Lock
In pediatric audiology, even the smallest interruption can impact the accuracy of a Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) test. That’s...
Steve Smith
Aug 141 min read


Transforming Pediatric Hearing Tests with Hey Bear Sensory and Flex VRA
For pediatric audiologists and parents alike, keeping a child engaged during a hearing test can be a serious challenge. But what if the solution lies in a vibrant world of smiling fruits, upbeat music, and dancing characters? That’s where Hey Bear Sensory content comes in—a game-changer in pediatric audiology, especially when paired with advanced tools like the Flex VRA system . In this blog, we’ll explore how Hey Bear Sensory videos significantly enhance the effectiveness
Rick Smith
Jul 283 min read


At What Age Should Children Get Their Hearing Tested?
You celebrate every sound your baby makes—from the first cry to the first giggle. But what if something seems off? Maybe they’re not responding to your voice, or their speech isn’t developing like you expected. These moments can raise big questions—especially when it comes to your child’s hearing health . One of the most important, yet often overlooked, parts of early childhood care is the hearing test . Knowing when and how often your child should have their hearing tested c
Rick Smith
Jun 253 min read


How Can You Tell if Your Child Has Impaired Hearing?
At Flex VRA , understanding the red flags and acting early can make all the difference in your child’s development. As a parent, it’s natural to celebrate every coo, giggle, and first word. But what if something seems off? Maybe your baby doesn’t react to loud noises. Maybe your toddler isn’t talking as much as other kids their age. Could it be impaired hearing? What Is Impaired Hearing in Children? Impaired hearing means your child isn’t picking up sounds the way they should
Rick Smith
Jun 253 min read


Flex VRA is Heading to HearTech 2025!
We’re excited to announce that Flex VRA is traveling to New Orleans on March 26th for the 2025 HearTech Expo —and we’ve got something...
Steve Smith
Mar 141 min read


Easily Record Video And Audio From Your Flex Cam!
Who knew?! Windows has a really cool application built into it's OS that allows for screen capture of applications. Couple it with Flex...
Steve Smith
Apr 27, 20221 min read


Flex VRA Software Version 1.4 Shipping
Flex VRA Software version 1.4 is released. Includes features like dynamic conditioned play audiometry and integration into Flex Toy.
Steve Smith
Apr 11, 20222 min read


Flex Screen Mirror!
Our most recent endeavor was a request directly from "the field." The concern being that between having three Flex monitors in the...
Steve Smith
Apr 13, 20211 min read


Introducing FlexPC! Integrate Flex VRA into your computerized audiometer!
We are excited to announce the official release of FlexPC. This small application allows you to customize keyboard hotkeys that will...
Steve Smith
Dec 7, 20201 min read


Flex VRA Integrates into GSI Audiostar Pro!
We are happy to announce that Flex VRA is now capable of direct integration into the Grason-Stadler Audiostar Pro (Versions 1 and 2)! ...
Rick Smith
Jan 4, 20201 min read


FlexCam by Flex VRA
I'm excited to see our most recent project, FlexCam, being installed and trialed at our test clinic! 170 degree image, real-time display...
Rick Smith
Nov 12, 20191 min read
TROCA Beta Sites
One of the new technologies in development for Flex is an updated and modern TROCA device. If you are a pediatric audiologist who...
Rick Smith
Oct 11, 20191 min read
Audiology Now! 2020
Flex VRA will be presenting at the 2020 Audiology Now Conference (AAA) in Nashville, TN. Aside from demonstrating the Flex VRA, we are...
Rick Smith
Oct 2, 20191 min read
Software Updates 1.0
Updates To Flex Visual Reinforcement Audiometry Software Version 1.0.
Rick Smith
Dec 13, 20181 min read
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