Audiology & Hearing Tests
If you’re concerned about your child’s speech or communication or they have a history of middle ear pathology, one of the first steps is a hearing test. Even mild or fluctuating hearing loss can impact how children learn to listen and speak. This page explains what to expect from a hearing test and how we support your child’s communication from the start.
Does My Child Need a Hearing Test?
Hearing plays a vital role in how children learn to speak, listen, and understand language, as well as their later learning and literacy. If your child isn’t responding to sounds, has unclear speech, isn’t meeting communication milestones, frequently asks “what?” or turns the TV up loud, a hearing test can help rule out or identify any hearing concerns.
Even temporary hearing loss from colds or ear infections (glue ear) can affect speech and language development, and impact future literacy and learning.
Is the Newborn Hearing Screening Enough?
While newborn hearing screening is an important first check, it only captures hearing at birth. Hearing can change over time, especially due to frequent ear infections or other medical conditions. If you have concerns at any stage, it’s important to follow up with a full hearing test — regardless of a passed newborn screen. a child is experiencing difficulties in both understanding and using language.
You might also like to read our article “My Child’s Hearing Was Tested When They Were Born: Is That Enough?”
How are Hearing Tests Done in Children?
At Speak Listen Learn, we offer hearing assessments for children 9 months of age and older, using child-friendly, play-based approaches. All tests are tailored to your child’s developmental level to ensure reliable results.
Infants or Children with Very Complex Needs
Children younger than 9 months generally require objective hearing tests (such as ABR or OAE), which measure how the inner ear, auditory nerve and brain respond to sound without requiring active participation.
In most cases, they are conducted in hospital and are typically used:
- For newborns who did not pass their hearing screen
- When a child is too young or unable to participate in behavioural testing and there are significant concerns or a high risk of hearing loss
ABR testing generally requires sedation in children and babies past the newborn period, so is reserved for more complex or urgent cases. If this type of testing is needed, we will provide guidance and refer you to the appropriate services.
Babies & Toddlers
We use Visual Reinforcement Orientation Audiometry (VROA), where your child learns to turn toward a sound presented through speakers or headphones. When they respond, they are rewarded with a visual animation or a moving toy. This helps us assess hearing at different volumes and pitches.
Toddlers and preschool-aged children are often able to engage in Play Audiometry, where your child completes a simple, fun task (like dropping a toy into a bucket) when they hear a sound. This helps us accurately assess hearing in a way that feels like a game.
We also check middle ear function using tympanometry, which is quick, gentle, and can help identify fluid or pressure behind the eardrum.
School-Aged Children (5+ years)
Older children usually complete a standard hearing test using headphones, responding to a series of beeps at different pitches and volumes. This is called pure tone audiometry.
We may also include:
Tympanometry – middle ear testing to rule out fluid or pressure
Speech audiometry – assessing how clearly your child can hear and understand words.
What if a Hearing Issue is Found?
If we identify a hearing concern, we’ll explain the results clearly and discuss the best next steps. This may involve medical referral (e.g. to an ENT), regular monitoring, or support from other professionals, depending on your child’s needs.
Next Steps?
If you’re concerned about your child’s hearing, speech, or communication, a hearing test is a valuable first step. You don’t need a referral to book an appointment with our audiologist, though you may be eligible for a small Medicare rebate with a GP referral. Simply contact our clinic to make a booking.
Book an Appointment?
Contact us to speak with one of our friendly team members. You can use the form below, email us at admin@speaklistenlearn.com.au or reach out via phone on (02) 9402 0894.
We’re here for you and your child, every step of the way.
