Hearing tests for children
Routine hearing tests are offered to newborn babies and children to identify any problems early on in their development.
Although serious hearing problems during childhood are rare, early testing ensures that any problems are picked up and managed as early as possible.
Why hearing tests are important
Hearing tests carried out soon after birth can help identify most babies with significant hearing loss, and testing later in childhood can pick up any problems that have been missed or have been slowly getting worse.
Without routine hearing tests, there's a chance that a hearing problem could go undiagnosed for many months or even years.
It's important to identify hearing problems as early as possible because they can affect your child's speech and language development, social skills and education.
Treatment is more effective if any problems are detected and managed accordingly early on. An early diagnosis will also help ensure you and your child have access to any special support services you may need.
When will my child's hearing be checked?
Your child's hearing may be checked:
Your child's hearing can also be checked at any other time if you have any concerns.
Non-urgent advice: Speak to your GP or health visitor if:
- you're concerned about your child's hearing
Your child can have a hearing test at any age.
Newborn hearing screening
Newborn babies can be screened for any potential hearing problems using two quick and painless tests. The tests are normally conducted on the ward before you leave hospital.
Many babies will only need to have the AOAE test, but if it's not possible to get a clear result, or there is a possibility they have a problem with their hearing, they may need to have an AABR test as well.
It's common for babies to have a second screening hearing test. This doesn't necessarily mean they have a hearing problem. It may be offered because your baby was unsettled during the first test, or they may just have a temporary blockage in their ear.
If the results are inconclusive or concerns are raised during the screening process, a referral will be made for a more detailed assessment with your local audiology service.
Read more about newborn hearing screening
Hearing tests for older babies and children
A number of different hearing tests may be used to check for hearing problems in older babies and young children. These are usually undertaken at an audiology department.
Some of the main tests carried out are described below.
Causes of hearing problems in babies and children
There are a number of reasons why a child may have a hearing problem, including temporary hearing loss from a common illness such as a cold.
Some possible causes of hearing loss that may be detected during routine tests include:
- glue ear– a build-up of fluid in the middle ear, which is common in young children
- infections that develop in the womb or at birth, such as rubella or cytomegalovirus, which can cause progressive hearing loss
- inherited conditions, such as otosclerosis, which stop the ears or nerves from working properly
- damage to the cochlear or auditory nerves (which transmit hearing signals to the brain); this could be caused by a severe head injury, exposure to loud noise or head surgery, for example
- being starved of oxygen at birth (birth asphyxia)
- illnesses such as meningitis and encephalitis (which both involve swelling in the brain)
Spotting signs of a hearing problem
Although your child will be offered routine hearing tests as they grow up, it's still important for you to look out for signs of any problems and seek advice if you have any concerns.
For babies, the checklist in your baby's personal child health record (red book) can be used to help you check your child's hearing as they grow up.
You can also download two checklists produced by the NHS Newborn Hearing Screening Programme: one that tells you what sounds your baby should make (PDF, 28kb) and one that tells you what sort of sounds your baby should react to (PDF, 28kb).
In older children, signs of a possible hearing problem can include:
- inattentiveness or poor concentration
- not responding when their name is called
- talking loudly and listening to the television at a high volume
- difficulty pinpointing where a sound is coming from
- mispronouncing words
- a change in their progress at school
Last updated:
13 December 2022