Graham Walker
As parents, we’re always on the lookout for signs that our children are hitting their developmental milestones. While some are easy to spot, others can be more subtle. Hearing is one of those crucial senses that impacts a child’s ability to learn, communicate, and interact with the world. At Walker Hearing Clinics, we offer specialised diagnostic hearing tests for children so that we can best assess their hearing and ensure they continue to learn and communicate at their full potential.
Here are five signs that might indicate that your child needs a hearing test:
Delayed Speech Development
If your child’s speech seems delayed compared to other children their age, it could be a sign of hearing issues. Children learn to speak by imitating the sounds they hear. If they can’t hear clearly, their speech development may fall behind.
What to look for: By age 1, most children say their first words. By age 2, they should be putting two words together. If your child isn’t meeting these milestones, it might be time to consider a hearing test.
Frequently Asking for Repeats
While it’s normal for children to occasionally miss what’s being said, frequently asking for repetition could indicate hearing difficulties.
What to look for: If your child often seems confused by verbal instructions or consistently asks you to repeat yourself, it might be time for a hearing check.
Turning Up the Volume
If your child consistently sets the TV or device volume higher than what seems comfortable for others, it could be a sign they’re struggling to hear at normal levels.
What to look for: Pay attention to how loud your child prefers their media. If it’s noticeably louder than what you or other family members find comfortable, consider scheduling a hearing test.
Difficulty Hearing in Noisy Environments
Children with hearing issues often struggle in noisy social settings like restaurants or playgrounds. They may have trouble following conversations or seem to withdraw in these situations.
What to look for: Observe how your child interacts in busy, noisy environments. If they seem overwhelmed or unable to focus on conversations, it could be due to hearing difficulties.
Academic Struggles or Behavioural Changes
Hearing problems can impact a child’s ability to learn and interact socially, potentially leading to academic difficulties or changes in behaviour.
What to look for: Unexplained drops in grades, seeming inattentive in class, or sudden behavioural issues could all be signs of hearing problems.
As always, early detection is key when it comes to hearing issues. If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to consult with your paediatrician or book a hearing test with one of our clinical audiologists. A simple hearing screening can provide valuable information about your child’s hearing health and, if necessary, open the door to early intervention and support.
At Walker Hearing Clinics, we offer a range of hearing screenings and tests for our paediatric patients, including Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), Play Audiometry and Oto-acoustic Emissions (OAE) Testing. To book a hearing test for your child, please call (021) 234 1239, or book online.
