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Hearing and ear health
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- Most children hear and listen from when they are born.
- They learn to talk by copying sounds and voices around them.
- Two out of every 1,000 children are born with hearing loss.
- Hearing loss means you are not able to hear well.
- Many babies with hearing loss are healthy with no family history of hearing loss.
- Hearing loss can be missed because babies and toddlers can’t tell you they cannot hear.
Signs of hearing loss in children
Babies and toddlers
- They make ‘babble’ sounds, but stop for no reason
- They don’t respond to sounds
- They don’t seem to listen
- They don’t start speaking at an age they should
- They do not use many words
Children
- They don’t seem to listen or are naughty
- They find it hard to hear with background noise
- They often make mistakes when they speak
- They don’t start speaking at an age they should
- They speak too loudly or too softly
- You have to repeat what you say to them
- They don’t understand what you are saying
- They turn up the sound on the TV
- They aren’t consistent in what they say
- They don’t understand if you speak softly to them
- They don’t hear you when you call out from a distance
- They seem to be quiet and withdrawn in a group
When your child can have a hearing test
- Your baby can have a hearing test after birth.
- This is called a ‘newborn hearing screen’. Learn more about newborn hearing tests.
- It is important to know that your baby may pass this test but lose hearing later.
What to do if you think your child has hearing loss
- It is important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
- They can give you a referral to get your child a hearing test.
- A referral is a letter to a specialist doctor who looks after hearing.
- Getting a hearing test is important. This helps hearing loss to be treated quickly.
How hearing is tested
- The type of tests we use depends on your child’s age and ability.
- The test time can vary.
- A routine assessment can take around 30 minutes.
- Special testing can take up to 2 hours.
- We often undertake a few different tests.
Types of hearing tests
There are different types of hearing tests for children.
- Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing
These test the middle part of the ear. This test looks for a health condition called ‘otitis media’. - Oto Acoustic emissions testing (DPOAE and TEOAE)
These test if your child’s cochlear works. Cochlear is a nerve in the ear that helps with hearing. - (AEP) Auditory Evoked Potentials (ABR and ASSR)
These test hearing levels in babies and toddlers. The test runs when your child is asleep or GA. - Pure tone audiometry
These test hearing levels through headphones. Speakers may be used for younger children.
How to get a hearing test referral
- A referral is a letter that a health professional sends to a doctor who specialises in hearing tests.
- If your baby is under 12 months, you don't need a referral.
- Speak to your doctor or other health professional for a referral.
Where to find out more about hearing loss
Visit these websites to learn more about hearing loss, support and services.
