Hearing tests for children
When will my child's hearing be checked?
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).
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about when hearing tests are routinely offered to children, what they involve and why they're important.
Why hearing tests areimportant
Hearing tests carried out soon after birth can help identify most babies with significant hearing loss,andtestinglater in childhood canpick up any problems that have been missed or have been slowly ge
When will my child's hearing be checked?
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 routi
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. They are the: automated
Causes of hearing problems in babies and children
There are a number of reasons why a child may have a hearing problem, includingtemporary hearing loss froma common illness such as a cold . Somepossible causes of hearingloss thatmay be detected dur
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 adviceif you have any concerns. For babies, the
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