When should you have your child’s hearing tested?

Apart from routine screenings, children should have their hearing tested if there are any concerns about their hearing, speech, language development, or if they exhibit signs of hearing loss.

Apart from routine screenings, children should have their hearing tested if there are any concerns about their hearing, speech, language development, or if they exhibit signs of hearing loss, as mentioned below.

Here are a few red flags that might signal hearing loss:

Delayed speech or language development

Difficulty following directions

Difficulty with education and learning

Needing the television turned up

Speaking loudly

Delayed speech or language development

Difficulty following directions

Difficulty with education and learning

Needing the television turned up

Speaking loudly

Additionally, children with certain risk factors for hearing loss may require more frequent or specialised testing. These risk factors include a family history of hearing loss, frequent ear infections, certain medical conditions, exposure to loud noises, and developmental delays.

What are the main causes of hearing loss in children?

Middle Ear Infections

Disease

Genetics

Head Injury

Wax Build-up

Loud noise

Middle Ear Infections

Disease

Genetics

Head Injury

Age

Loud noise

Impacts of hearing loss on children

Having poor ear and hearing health is a significant issue that can result in lifelong consequences for children. Various ear diseases and conditions can impact ear health and potentially lead to hearing loss. Hearing loss can:

Affect a child’s ability to
listen, learn and talk

Cause communication
difficulty

Lower self-esteem, confidence
and social anxiety

Limit access to
education and employment

Affect social and
emotional well-being

Affect a child’s ability to listen, learn and talk

Cause communication
difficulty

Lower self-esteem and
confidence

Limit access to
education and
employment

Affect social
and emotional
well-being

What do hearing tests for children involve?

Otoscopy

Our visual examination dives into the ear canal, drum and beyond.

Tympanometry

We gently explore the middle ear space, with a touch of pressure.

Audiometry

A series of tones assess overall hearing function.

Otoscopy

Our visual examination dives into the ear canal, drum and beyond.

Tympanometry

We gently explore the middle ear space, with a touch of pressure.

Pure Tone Audiometry

A series of tones through a headset assess your overall hearing function.

Make Every Moment Count

Build confidence, communication and a bright future by empowering children to thrive with comprehensive hearing care.

Make Every Moment Count

Build confidence, communication and a bright future by empowering children to thrive with comprehensive hearing care.

Has your doctor or health practitioner referred your child?

It’s essential for parents to discuss any concerns they have about their child’s hearing with their paediatrician or related healthcare professional, who can then determine the appropriate timing and frequency of hearing tests based on the child’s individual needs and risk factors. Early detection and intervention are key to minimising the impact of hearing loss on a child’s development and quality of life.

While Medicare rebates might kick in with specific specialists like Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors or Neurologists, the good thing is, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to get a hearing test for your child. Bring along their contact details to your appointment, and we’ll make sure the report lands in the right hands seamlessly.

It’s essential for parents to discuss any concerns they have about their child’s hearing with their paediatrician or related healthcare professional, who can then determine the appropriate timing and frequency of hearing tests based on the child’s individual needs and risk factors. Early detection and intervention are key to minimising the impact of hearing loss on a child’s development and quality of life.

While Medicare rebates might kick in with specific specialists like Ear, Nose, and Throat doctors or Neurologists, the good thing is, you don’t need a doctor’s referral to get a hearing test for your child. Bring along their contact details to your appointment, and we’ll make sure the report lands in the right hands seamlessly.

What’s next?

Your Acuity Audiologist will thoroughly assess your child’s hearing. If further investigation or management is needed, we’ll guide you through the referral process.