When Should You Get Your Child’s Hearing Tested? A Parent’s Guide
When do I get my child’s hearing tested? Discover the crucial stages, early warning signs, and solutions to deafness in this guide.
Did you know that 1-3 of every 1,000 babies are born with a loss of hearing? And many others develop it later! An early test of hearing is not just a medical examination — it’s crucial to your child’s speech, learning, and emotional growth.
Often parents know too late that their child isn’t responding to sounds or is progressing slowly in speaking. These subtle signs are not to be taken lightly!
In this blog, we are going to talk about when and why to get your child’s hearing tested, at what age a hearing check-up is required, what signs to watch out for, and what to do in case the test fails.
If you are a new parents, or your child is experiencing speech delays, then this guide must be read by you. Let’s begin – on the path of discovery of the world of child’s hearing!
Why do children need a hearing test?
If hearing issues are not detected on time during childhood, it can affect the child’s speech, language development, and social interaction. When a child is unable to hear properly, he is unable to learn to speak properly. This impacts his manner of speaking, usage of words, and capacity to communicate with others.
Parents or teachers often think the child is “stubborn” or “does not pay attention”, but he is unable to hear properly. These undiagnosed hearing problems are frequently misinterpreted as behavior problems or attention problems when the actual reason is hearing loss.
If the hearing loss is found early on, early treatment can ensure the child receives the proper assistance like hearing aids, speech therapy, or special schooling. All these measures contribute to the development of the child in a better way.
A hearing test is a very easy procedure that is performed at different ages. For newborn infants, hearing screening is conducted in the hospital. However, as the child advances, routine hearing check-ups are also required according to his developmental milestones.
Advantages of undergoing a hearing test on time:
-The communication skills of the child get stronger
-School performance improves
-Becomes socially confident
-Develops better bonding with family and friends
If you also sense that your child keeps asking “what?“, or his speech pattern is not proportionate to his age, then you must have a hearing test conducted without wasting any more time. The earlier the issue is known, the faster the outcome will be.
Recommended Hearing Screening Schedule by Age
It is extremely crucial to undergo a hearing test in childhood as if the issue in hearing is detected on time, the speech and overall development of the child can be extremely well. Given below is a step-by-step timeline that explains when and why a child must undergo a hearing test in what age group.
Newborns (0–1 month):
The moment the baby is born, Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS) is performed within the hospital. It is a simple test that is prescribed for all newborns. Its aim is to identify early hearing loss. If the hospital fails to perform this test, parents should have it conducted themselves within one month.
Infants (1–3 months):
If the newborn screening is negative, a comprehensive diagnostic hearing test must be conducted within 1–3 months. The test will confirm if the child indeed has difficulty hearing or not. Detection at this point might prevent the child from ever experiencing a speech delay.
6 months – 1 year:
At this age, the developmental milestones of the child should be observed by the parents, like hearing names, responding to noises, etc. If there is a history of hearing loss in the family or if the child keeps getting ear infections, then it would be advisable to conduct a hearing test at this age.
Toddler (1–3 years):
If the child does not begin to speak at this age, or his speech is not distinct, or he repeatedly gets ear infections, then a hearing test must be conducted. Because this is the time when speech and communication skills are developed.
Preschoolers (3–5 years):
All children should have their hearing tested once before school age. If you believe that the child is not concentrating, or has problems following directions at school, then hearing problems cannot be dismissed.
School-age children (5+ years)
For this age group, hearing screens should be used during normal school physicals or following severe illness. Flu, viral, or serious ear infections may temporarily or permanently affect hearing.
Signs Your Child Might Need a Hearing Test
It is extremely necessary to identify hearing issues in childhood at an early stage. Because if a child is unable to hear well, his speech, reading, comprehension, and communication with other people can be affected as well. Here are some general signs that may inform parents that their child might need a hearing test:
1. Not responding to loud noises or not turning away:
If your baby doesn’t respond to very loud noises like a clap, bell, or horn, or fails to turn away when he hears the sound of your voice, then this is an early indication that he has some hearing difficulty.
2. Speech delay or inability to speak clearly:
If your child doesn’t utter words by the time he is supposed to, or his pronunciation is not clear, it may be that he cannot hear the voice. Hearing and speech go hand in hand, so don’t underestimate speech delay.
3. Repeatedly asking “What?” or turning up the TV volume:
When a kid keeps on repeating a question again and again or unnecessarily turns the TV volume up, it may mean that he is unable to hear normal-level sounds well.
4. Failing to obey your instructions correctly:
When your kid is unable to comprehend simple commands such as “take water” or “do this,” it may be an indication of a hearing problem rather than stubbornness or forgetfulness.
5. Lack of performance or behavioral problems at school:
Loss of hearing can make a child miss out on classroom instructions, and hence the performance in studies is affected. Frustration and social withdrawal are some of the problems that result from this.
6. Repeated ear infections or excess fluid in the ear:
Recurrent ear infections or excess fluid in the ear may also result in temporary or permanent loss of hearing. If this issue is frequently arising, then a hearing test should most certainly be conducted.
What Happens During a Child’s Hearing Test?
Parents usually find it difficult to comprehend how the hearing test of their child is done, and whether it hurts or not. Here, we will describe in plain terms what hearing tests are administered to various age groups, what is the test process, and what is the work of a pediatric audiologist.
1. OAE Test (Otoacoustic Emissions):
This test is typically conducted in newborns or young children. Here, a soft small earbud is inserted in the ear of the baby that emits sound waves. If the inner ear is functioning correctly, then the ear emits an echo sound, which is picked up by the machine.
-It is non-painful and lasts only 5-10 minutes.
-This test may be conducted even if the baby is asleep.
-It is an invasive process, that is, there is no danger of any surgery or physical pain.
2. ABR Test (Auditory Brainstem Response):
This is performed for all those babies who are not successful on the OAE test or who have risk factors for hearing impairment.
-Small electrodes are put on the baby’s head that records the response of the brain when sound is administered.
-This test identifies if sound is being delivered to the brain in the right way or not.
-This is painless and safe too. The test will take 30–60 minutes typically.
3. Behavioral Audiometry:
This is to be done for toddlers and above. The child is seated in a room where various frequencies of sounds are produced.
-The reaction of the child is watched, e.g., whether he is turning towards the sound or reacting.
–Headphones or speakers may be used in a few cases.
-It is made a bit interesting, like a game, so that the child will cooperate.
Role of Pediatric Audiologist:
A pediatric audiologist is an expert who knows how to treat and understand hearing problems in children. He or she administers the tests, interprets the results, and in case of hearing loss, recommends the treatment—such as hearing aids, speech therapy, or referral to an ENT.
Hearing tests are quick, painless, and required—particularly if the child is not reacting to ordinary noises or objects. Early diagnosis creates a significant difference in speaking and development.
Risk Factors That Might Need Early Hearing Screening
Each child is unique when it comes to hearing development, but there are certain special circumstances or medical conditions under which parents need to be more cautious. In these cases, early hearing screening becomes extremely crucial. These are some of the most common risk factors that signify that your child needs a hearing test conducted earlier:
1. Family History of Hearing Loss
If a member of your family has had difficulty hearing since birth or at the time of birth, then this is a significant risk factor. Genetics can directly influence hearing. In such individuals, constant monitoring is required even post-newborn screening.
2. Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
If the baby was born prematurely (less than 37 weeks) or his weight was significantly lesser than usual, then the risk for hearing loss is greater. The auditory system of preterm infants has not yet developed completely, so an early screen is advised.
3. NICU Stay Longer Than 5 Days
If the infant is in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for more than 5 days, particularly if he has been on ventilator support or received special drugs, then the risk of hearing problems rises. NICU conditions can impact the hearing nerves.
4. High Bilirubin Levels or Certain Infections
If the child is jaundiced (has elevated bilirubin) to a significant degree at birth or if he has infections such as CMV, rubella, or toxoplasmosis, then hearing can be affected. Infections can harm the inner ear.
5. Ototoxic Medications In Infancy
Certain medicines and antibiotics are ear-toxic (ototoxic). If the child has been administered such drugs in infancy, then his hearing needs to be checked periodically.
6. Frequent Ear Infections
Repeated ear infections or fluid buildup is also a frequent reason for hearing loss. If the child is consistently having ear-related issues, then screening for hearing should not be postponed.
What to Do If Your Child Doesn’t Pass a Hearing Test
To begin with, if your child doesn’t pass a hearing test, don’t panic. Not passing a hearing test doesn’t imply that hearing loss is established, but it indicates that you need to have more in-depth testing. I am writing to inform you about the steps you need to take.
1. Schedule an appointment with an audiologist for a diagnostic test
The second step for your child will be to have a comprehensive diagnostic hearing test conducted by an expert audiologist. This is a more comprehensive test than a simple screening test and will decide the extent and type of hearing loss of the child. There are various kinds of diagnostic tests, like OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) or ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response). The audiologist will inform you which test will suit your child best.
2. Explain alternatives for hearing aids, cochlear implants, or speech therapy
If hearing loss is confirmed by the diagnosis, now the time has come to think about the treatments. Hearing aids can be beneficial for some children, which enhances their hearing capability. But if hearing loss is severe, cochlear implants can be considered. And speech therapy is also very crucial so that the child grows up with good language skills. Your audiologist and ENT specialist will advise you on the best course of action.
3. Cooperate with ENT Specialists and Early Intervention Programs
Your child’s healthcare team comprises ENT specialists, audiologists, and speech therapists. The advantage of early intervention programs is that they make your child hear and speak so that he or she develops at a proper age. Early intervention even stops learning and communication disorders to a large extent.
4. Take note of your child’s development at home and in school
Hearing-impaired children require special attention. At home, you will have to ensure that your child is hearing properly and also facilitate his speech development. Even at school, the teacher should be informed so that he can make your child understand and also provide extra assistance if necessary. Regular check-ups and progress monitoring are essential.
By these steps, you can know your child’s hearing issues and provide the best assistance to him. Keep in mind that early diagnosis and intervention positively impact the child’s life. If you suspect that your child suffers from a hearing disorder, call a professional immediately.
Conclusion:
Your child’s hearing is vital to their world—literally. Whether it’s their first smile in response to your voice or their ability to follow a classroom lesson, it all starts with sound. Don’t wait for signs to become problems. Stick to the recommended screening schedule, stay alert for warning signs, and trust your instincts. If something feels off, speak to your pediatrician. Early testing means better outcomes—and peace of mind for you!