Pediatric Audiologist: Olivia Ruggiano, Au.D

Olivia Ruggiano, Au.D., provides hearing care for patients ages 6 months to 50 years. She has special training as a pediatric audiologist, treating patients from infancy through young adulthood. Dr. Ruggiano offers additional skills in supporting children with developmental and neurodevelopmental needs.  This article highlights her pediatric audiology services and advanced training.

Dr. Ruggiano offers complete pediatric hearing care, helping families identify hearing concerns early and understand how hearing affects communication, learning, and development. Her evaluations are tailored to each child’s age, sensory needs, and attention level, making hearing testing accessible for a wide range of children, including those who may struggle with traditional testing.

Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations for Infants, Children, and Teens

Dr. Ruggiano performs full audiologic evaluations using behavioral, objective, and adaptive testing techniques. She has extensive experience working with:

• Children with sensory sensitivities
• Children with attention or behavioral challenges
• Children with developmental disabilities
• Medically complex children or those with unique developmental histories

She also evaluates and manages pediatric tinnitus, a condition that can affect focus, sleep, and school performance.

Hearing Devices and Technology for Children

If hearing loss is identified, families can access comprehensive pediatric hearing device solutions, including:

• Pediatric hearing aid consultations and device prescription
• Hearing aid fittings, programming, and ongoing follow-up care for children, teens, and young adults
• Troubleshooting and repairs for hearing aids purchased through BMC
• Bone-anchored hearing device programming for children

Having pediatric hearing device care in-house ensures continuity, convenience, and support for children as they grow.

Communication Support for Families

Every child’s communication needs are unique. Dr. Ruggiano helps families explore options such as:

• Spoken language
• Signed communication (e.g., American Sign Language)
• AAC (augmentative and alternative communication)
• Custom hearing protection for music, sports, and noisy environments

Her goal is to ensure children have reliable access to communication through hearing, visual language, or supportive technology.

Specialized Pediatric Training for Developmental and Neurodevelopmental Needs

Dr. Ruggiano completed the Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND) program, a nationally recognized training program that prepares clinicians to support:

• Children with autism
• Children with Down syndrome
• Children with developmental or neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Children with sensory or behavioral challenges
• Medically complex children who need adapted testing

She also trained at Children’s Hospital Colorado and completed a pediatric externship in a clinic specializing in neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her multidisciplinary training allows her to evaluate children who may not participate in standard hearing tests.

Let’s Talk

If you are concerned about your or your child’s hearing, make an appointment with Dr. Ruggiano to talk about what is possible.