Hearing and ear health

• Most children hear and listen from when they are born.
• They learn to talk by copying sounds and voices around them.
• Two out of every 1,000 children are born with hearing loss.
• Hearing loss means you are not able to hear well.
• Many babies with hearing loss are healthy with no family history of hearing loss.
• Hearing loss can be missed because babies and toddlers can’t tell you they cannot hear.

Signs of hearing loss in children

Babies and toddlers

• They make ‘babble’ sounds, but stop for no reason
• They don’t respond to sounds
• They don’t seem to listen
• They don’t start speaking at an age they should
• They do not use many words

Children

• They don’t seem to listen or are naughty
• They find it hard to hear with background noise
• They often make mistakes when they speak
• They don’t start speaking at an age they should
• They speak too loudly or too softly
• You have to repeat what you say to them
• They don’t understand what you are saying
• They turn up the sound on the TV
• They aren’t consistent in what they say
• They don’t understand if you speak softly to them
• They don’t hear you when you call out from a distance
• They seem to be quiet and withdrawn in a group

When your child can have a hearing test

• Your baby can have a hearing test after birth.
• This is called a ‘newborn hearing screen’. Learn more about newborn hearing tests.
• It is important to know that your baby may pass this test but lose hearing later.

What to do if you think your child has hearing loss

• It is important to speak to a doctor as soon as possible.
• They can give you a referral to get your child a hearing test.
• A referral is a letter to a specialist doctor who looks after hearing.
• Getting a hearing test is important. This helps hearing loss to be treated quickly.

How hearing is tested

• The type of tests we use depends on your child’s age and ability.
• The test time can vary.
• A routine assessment can take around 30 minutes.
• Special testing can take up to 2 hours.
• We often undertake a few different tests.

Types of hearing tests

There are different types of hearing tests for children.

• Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing
  These test the middle part of the ear. This test looks for a health condition called ‘otitis media’.
• Oto Acoustic emissions testing (DPOAE and TEOAE)
  These test if your child’s cochlear works. Cochlear is a nerve in the ear that helps with hearing.
• (AEP) Auditory Evoked Potentials (ABR and ASSR)
  These test hearing levels in babies and toddlers. The test runs when your child is asleep or GA.
• Pure tone audiometry
  These test hearing levels through headphones. Speakers may be used for younger children.

How to get a hearing test referral

• A referral is a letter that a health professional sends to a doctor who specialises in hearing tests.
• If your baby is under 12 months, you don't need a referral.
• Speak to your doctor or other health professional for a referral.

Where to find out more about hearing loss

Visit these websites to learn more about hearing loss, support and services.

• Deaf Children Australia 
• Hearing Services in Tasmania
• THS Outpatient Clinics
• ENT Clinic