Our Hearing Assessment for Children Process
We perform hearing assessments for children aged 4 years and over. Our experienced audiologists ensure that every child feels relaxed and comfortable, allowing accurate results to be obtained.
Children’s hearing assessments involve firstly responding to a series of beeps and then repeating words so we can assess if their hearing is adequate for normal speech, language and educational development. The test is modified to cater to children of different ages and concentration abilities. We also check for middle ear fluid and congestion which is common in younger children and can significantly affect speech and learning.
For younger children, we perform ‘Play Audiometry’ which requires children to respond to sounds in the form of a game. For older children, the method of hearing assessment used is similar to that which is used for adults. We often see children who are referred by their doctor, speech pathologist or school nurse.
Below is a social script you can show your child if they are feeling a little anxious about what will happen when they attend the clinic.
View our Social Script for young children attending our clinic
At the conclusion of the assessment, results are explained to parents/carers and in consultation with them, results are reported back to the doctor and any other relevant health professionals (e.g. speech pathologist). Children requiring hearing aids are referred to Hearing Australia which is the government owned agency funded to manage children with permanent hearing loss. The assessment takes approximately 45 minutes.
While we are happy to see children without a referral, if you do have doctor’s referral it will allow you to claim a portion of the consultation fee back through Medicare.
