Hearing And Vision Tests For Children

Your child's hearing may be checked:

• Within a few weeks of birth this is known as newborn hearing screening and it's often carried out before you leave hospital after giving birth. This is routine for all children and even those having a home birth will be invited to come to hospital to have this.
• At around eight months to one year old a follow-up to the newborn hearing screen may be required at this time for some children.
• From eight months to two and a half years of age you may be asked whether you have any concerns about your child's hearing as part of a review ofyour child'shealth and development , and hearing tests can be arranged if necessary.
• At around four or five years old most children will have a hearing test when they start school, this may be conducted at school or an audiology department depending upon where you live.

Your child's hearing can also be checked at any other time if you have any concerns. Speak toyour GP or health visitorif you're worried aboutyour child's hearing(see spotting hearing problems below).