Hearing Loss in Children

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What To Do About Hearing Loss in Children

Fortunately, permanent hearing loss in Australian children is uncommon, with only 0.35% of Australian children having a permanent hearing loss. Many more Australian children experience temporary hearing loss though, with ear infections (called otitis media) one of the most common childhood illnesses. Hearing loss in children should be taken seriously, as hearing is vital to a child’s normal development and ability to learn. Ultimately, if left untreated, hearing loss can affect speech development and educational outcomes. Early treatment is best.

Australia has a newborn hearing screening program. Your baby’s hearing will be tested shortly after birth, either at hospital or at home. This screening does not rule out mild to moderate hearing loss, but will pick up more severe hearing losses. Most children with permanent hearing losses develop the loss sometime after birth, meaning it is still important to know the signs of hearing loss in children, and the ages when it is most likely to develop.

If you want to learn more about hearing loss, check out our resources:

1. Best Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Apps For Your Ears

2. Types of Hearing Loss

3. What is Involved in a Hearing Loss Screening Test

4. Causes & Signs of Hearing Loss

5. How To Talk About Hearing Loss

6. How To Prevent Hearing Loss

Warning Signs of Hearing Loss in Children:

Baby not responding to sounds or changing their response to sounds
Baby not babbling from 6 months old
Late speech or other speech and language delays
Chronic ear infections
Attention and behavioural problems, especially at school
Parental concern – you know your child best

If you notice any of these warning signs in your child then please see an audiologist and have their hearing tested. We perform child hearing tests at our Perth and Geraldton hearing clinics. Due to the special equipment needed to test children please see our child hearing test page for information on where we can see your child.

Book An Appointment

For more information about our hearing healthcare services, please call (08) 9388 8003 or book online using the form below. We conduct the tests at our Perth based clinics, located in Subiaco and Duncraig, as well as at our Geraldton clinic.

When Children are Most Likely to Develop a Hearing Loss

Children are most likely to develop a hearing loss at the following times:

6 months old due to hormone spike
When they first start interacting with other children, due to exposure to viruses
When they first start day-care or school, due to exposure to viruses

Children can still develop a hearing loss at any age so it is important to remain aware of the warning signs of hearing loss and act if you are concerned.

Child health nurse screenings include screenings for hearing loss, but hearing loss can develop at any age, so if you are concerned about your child’s hearing you should see an audiologist. You do not need a referral to see an audiologist.

Who to See for Hearing Loss in Children

Hearing and Audiology has a paediatric audiologist, Kerryn, who is specially trained to assess children’s hearing. She was a part of the team that developed the newborn hearing screening program and has years of experiencing working with children. If you are concerned about your child’s hearing then having them tested by an audiologist is the first step in diagnosing and treating the problem.

For information on how the ear works and types of hearing loss please see our hearing loss page. Please be aware that the ear’s anatomy is essentially the same in children and adults, it is the cause of hearing loss and complications that are very different. Please refer to the current page for the causes and complications of hearing loss in children.

Please click here for more information on Hearing and Audiology’s child hearing tests, including information on our Perth and Geraldton child hearing test locations.

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT

Why Choose Us

Comfort & Satisfaction

No matter what your age or lifestyle, we offer precise hearing aid fittings and programming for comfort and satisfaction, tailored to you

Industry Leaders

We lead the industry in hearing support, with personalised treatment plans achieving a 97% success rate

Highly Experienced

With over 39 years of experience, we're deeply committed to enhancing your hearing and overall wellbeing.

Accurate Diagnosis

We're dedicated to empowering you with the best and latest information so you can make the most informed decision

State of the Art Hearing Aid Solutions

As the longest running private clinic, our established relationships with top hearing aid suppliers ensures you receive the latest cutting-edge products at an affordable price

Local Hearing Specialists

We're a locally owned business with internationally accredited hearing professionals. Proudly serving the WA community since 1985

100% Customised Service

We offer customised care for all ages with service that is tailored to your unique individual needs

Free Hearing Services for Pensioners & Veterans

We offer free and subsidised services for Pensioners and Veterans and are Commonwealth Hearing Services Program accredited.

Testimonials

What Our Valued Clients Say About Us

I have been a client of Hearing & Audiology for about 10 years and in that time have purchased two sets of hearing aids from them. Mostly Gabe has attended to me but so too have Tina and Chantal on occasion. I have experienced only outstanding quality and professional service from all, including Julie at Reception. Gabe always goes the extra mile and his dedication and professionalism is unequivocally commended.

Alan Simon
29 April 2019

I have found Hearing and Audiology staff very professional, friendly and experienced who all provide exceptional service especially Zoe who has been very informative and helpful in choosing the correct hearing aids for me. I highly recommend Hearing and Audiology.

Peter Nicholls
29 April 2019

Helpful and friendly staff.

Peter Charles
29 April 2021
I experienced the highest quality of service this morning from the team at Hearing and Audiology in Subiaco. Thank you to Chantelle, Lyn, Rina and Shannon for the outstanding service provided. The team went above and beyond to assist and look after me. I highly recommend Hearing and Audiology's product, team, service & care.

Marisa Wagner
29 April 2022

Excellent customer services and great custom made noise-plugs. Amenable to corrections to errors in factory production and was sent a free replacement pair 🙂

Andy Crane
29 April 2022

Wonderful, helpful and friendly staff. Everything was explained very well. They’re happy to follow up if need be and the hearing aids have changed my life (and the wife’s as well). Life is much more enjoyable. I can hear the TV better without it being up really loud, and I can keep up with conversations. Thank you 🙏🏻 Ralph

Frances Gould
29 October 2023