A children's hearing test is shaped around your child's age and abilities, and your audiologist chooses the tests. Younger children are often tested through listening games, and older children through headphones. Ear pain, discharge, dizziness or a sudden change need your GP or an emergency department the same day. Fluid or a suspected infection: GP first.
Taking your child for a hearing test can feel a bit daunting, especially if you are not sure what will happen in the room. This guide walks you through what a test typically involves at different ages, how you can prepare, and when your GP is the right first stop.
Hearing Help tests children's hearing at our Newport clinic. We do not fit hearing aids for children, and if something needs medical attention we will point you to your GP.
Why are children's hearing tests different from adult tests?
Adults can sit still, listen for faint beeps and press a button. Young children cannot, so audiologists use different methods depending on a child's age, abilities and circumstances. According to Deaf Children Australia, an audiologist chooses the tests based on the child, and the tests may combine behavioural and physiological methods.
In plain terms:
- Behavioural tests watch how a child responds to sound, for example by turning towards it or doing a small task when they hear it.
- Physiological tests measure the ear's or brain's own response to sound and do not need the child to do anything.
Which approach is used depends on your child's age and how they are on the day. If your child is unsettled, the audiologist may adjust the plan.
What happens at different ages?
Every child is different, so treat what follows as a general guide, not a rule. Your audiologist decides what suits your child on the day.
Newborns
Newborn hearing screening is available to all babies born in Australia. The screen has three possible outcomes: pass, repeat, or refer. A repeat means another screen is arranged. A refer means the baby goes on to diagnostic testing with an audiologist.
A newborn screen is a screen, not a diagnosis. If you have any concerns as your child grows, you can raise them with your GP or child health nurse at any time.
Babies and toddlers
According to Raising Children Network, tests for babies can sometimes be done while the child sleeps. For toddlers, the child listens to beeps and whistles and is rewarded for turning towards a visual cue, such as a puppet. This kind of test is often called visual reinforcement audiometry.
Toddlers and preschoolers
Play audiometry turns listening into a game. The child is taught a simple action, such as putting a toy in a boat or stacking cups, every time they hear a sound. Headphones may be used for older children, which lets each ear be tested separately. Some children manage this earlier and some later, so your audiologist will decide whether it suits your child on the day.
School-aged children and teens
Older children can often take part in a test that is closer to an adult one, with sounds played through headphones. Your audiologist will explain what is involved.
Which ages does Hearing Help test?
The youngest age we see is something to ask us when you book. We can talk through what is likely to suit your child's age before you come in.
What else might be checked?
A hearing test is usually one part of a wider look at your child's ears and hearing. According to Raising Children Network, an audiologist usually looks in the child's ears and tests how the eardrum and middle ear move. Which checks are used depends on your child's age and the day, so your audiologist will explain what is being done as they go.
A hearing test will not diagnose an ear infection or other medical condition. If there are signs of one, you will be sent to your GP.
How can you prepare your child?
A calm, relaxed child usually finds a session easier. These are simple, practical ideas, and you can ask us how to prepare when you book:
- Describe it in simple words. For young children, "We're going to play some listening games" is often enough.
- Bring a comfort item. A favourite toy or book can help a child feel settled while you fill in forms.
- Bring what you know. If you have your child's health record, bring it. Note down any concerns about your child's listening, speech or school progress, and any history of ear problems.
- Tell the audiologist what you have noticed. Your observations matter. You know how your child usually responds at home.
- Ask whether you can stay in the room. Some clinics have a preference, so ask when you book.
What signs might prompt a hearing check?
Deaf Children Australia lists milestones as one way to notice change. By 4 to 7 months, it says a baby should startle at sudden loud sounds, acknowledge the sound of your voice and begin babbling. By 7 to 9 months, a baby should turn towards a sound or when their name is called. By 12 months, a baby should begin using words like "mum" and "dad" and follow simple instructions.
Older children are different, and you know your child best. You might consider a hearing test if you have noticed something about how your child responds to sound or speech, or if a teacher mentions listening difficulties at school.
These signs can have many different causes, and a test is how you find out more. Deaf Children Australia says that if you are concerned your baby is not meeting these milestones, it is important to speak to your doctor or child health nurse.
When should you see your GP first?
Some situations need a doctor, not an audiology appointment. See your GP or go to an emergency department the same day if your child has:
- ear pain
- discharge or bleeding from the ear
- dizziness or balance problems
- a sudden change in hearing
See your GP if your child has fluid in the ear, a suspected ear infection, a fever with ear symptoms, or a recent ear infection that has not been reviewed.
Please do not book a hearing test instead of seeing a doctor.
Ear infections and fluid in the ear are medical matters. Your GP can examine the ears and talk with you about next steps, including whether a specialist is needed.
Please do not put anything in your child's ears, including cotton buds. If you are worried, book an assessment or see your GP.
What happens after the test?
Your audiologist will talk you through what was found, in plain language. This usually covers:
- what the test showed for each ear
- what it does and does not tell us
- whether anything needs a GP or specialist review
If the results point to something that needs medical care, your audiologist will suggest you see your GP. Hearing Help does not fit hearing aids for children, so if your child's results lead to a conversation about hearing devices, we will help you understand who to see.
Results are for your child on the day of the test. If your child's hearing, speech or behaviour seems to change later, a further check is worth discussing.
What if your child finds the test hard?
Some children are shy, tired or just not in the mood. That is normal. Ask us when you book what to expect for your child's age.
If your child struggles to listen in noisy classrooms even though their hearing test is normal, that is a different question. You may be interested in our guide, What Is Auditory Processing Disorder?, which covers assessments for children and teens.
Ready to book?
If you would like to talk it through, book a hearing assessment with Erin at Hearing Help (Newport Marketplace). Erin has over 25 years as an audiologist, 17 of them serving the Redcliffe area. You can book online at www.hearinghelpredcliffe.com.au/booking-form/ or call 07 3214 3641. Our clinic is at Newport Marketplace; from Redcliffe it is about 6 minutes by car.
Frequently asked questions
At what age can a child have a hearing test?
Newborn hearing screening is available to all babies born in Australia, and testing methods exist for babies, toddlers and older children. Ask Hearing Help when you book about the age range we see.
Does a hearing test hurt?
Ask us what to expect for your child's age when you book.
My child passed the newborn screen. Do they still need a hearing test later?
A newborn screen is a screen at one point in time. If you notice changes in how your child responds to sound, in their speech, or at school, it is worth raising with your GP or booking a hearing test.
Can Hearing Help fit hearing aids for my child?
No. Hearing aid fittings at Hearing Help are for adults. We test children's hearing and, if needed, we will explain who to see next.
What if my child has a cold or an ear infection on the day?
For ear pain or discharge, see your GP or an emergency department the same day. For fluid, a suspected infection or fever, see your GP. If your child is simply unwell, it may be best to rebook so the test reflects their hearing on a normal day. Call us and we can talk it through.
Can I stay with my child during the test?
Policies differ between clinics. Ask us when you book.