Why A Hearing Test is Essential

For Information on Hearing Tests, please see Our Services section.

Without professional testing, your child’s hearing loss may go unnoticed. Hearing loss is the full or partial inability to detect frequencies in sound. Approximately 1 in 1000 babies are born with a form of hearing loss in both ears. It can be mild to profound, temporary or permanent. Getting your child’s hearing screened within the first 3 weeks of birth is essential to detecting hearing loss early. Regular check-ups also ensure your child is progressing normally. In the first few years of life hearing is essential to a child’s social, emotional and cognitive development. If hearing loss is detected too late, a child’s hearing centres will not be stimulated.

What does this mean?
The maturation and development of hearing can be affected.

Speech and language may be delayed.
Social and emotional development can be stunted.
Success in school may be affected.

The Benefits of Early Intervention
When hearing loss is identified early on children have a greater chance of developing more normal speech, language and learning skills. A skilled audiologist can also provide you with valuable support and information.

Why does Hearing Loss occur?
A number of factors lead to hearing loss. In many cases no definitive cause is found. If your child does not pass the hearing screening it may not mean hearing loss is the problem. Sometimes debris or fluid in the ear interferes with screening. In this situation, the test will be performed again.

What if my Child does not pass Screening?
If your newborn does not pass the initial hearing screening it is important to follow up with a full diagnostic hearing test within 3 months. Intervention can then begin to reduce the effects of hearing loss.

Is Hearing an Ongoing Concern?
Even if your child passes hearing screening we advise you continue watching for signs that hearing is normal.

A full audiological evaluation should be scheduled if your child:

Does not understand words and is unable to talk at the appropriate stages of development.
Has frequent ear infections or persistent middle ear fluid
Is not responding normally to sounds
Has poor educational outcomes.
Has problems with balance.

When Should I Schedule a Check-up?
Children with normal hearing should be evaluated regularly.

We strongly advise you organise a hearing test:

Before kindergarten.
Before year 1.
Any other time you are concerned about your child’s hearing.

Are Certain Children more likely to Experience Hearing Loss?
Hearing loss is more prevalent in:

Premature babies.
Babies with respiratory problems who have used breathing machines.
Babies with previous infections.
Babies who have taken certain medications.
Babies with a family history of permanent childhood hearing loss.

Can Hearing Loss be Treated?
Some hearing problems are medically or surgically correctable if they are caused by middle ear fluid. In other cases, hearing aids and speech and language therapies are effective.

What Happens if Hearing Loss is Diagnosed?
Your audiologist and paediatrician (or GP) will arrange for your child to be seen by an ear nose and throat specialist. They will also guide you to services which will help your child learn to communicate.

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