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Hearing and communication are vital to remain engaged with all life has to offer.
Get in touch
- 74 Mount Street, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084
- info@dwmaudiology.com.au
- (03) 9457 6588
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
- 74 Mount Street, Heidelberg, VIC, 3084
- Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm
Hearing Tests For Kids
Hearing Tests For Children
Normal hearing and auditory processing abilities enable children to engage with the world around them. They also help children develop their language, communication, social skills, and educational achievement.
If you have any doubt at all about your baby or child’s hearing, have them tested by an experienced audiologist. At DWM Audiology, we offer hearing assessments for all children aged from 9 months.
Hearing from birth to kindergarten
A hearing screening test is now included in the routine assessments babies have in the first few days of life. These tests are designed to detect a permanent hearing loss in a child. A pass in these test results at birth indicates that the child has sufficient hearing for normal speech and language development.
Babies and children are highly susceptible to temporary or fluctuating hearing loss. A hearing loss during this time may have a significant impact on a child’s developing language and social skills. The skills established in preschool years are the foundation for future learning at school.
Indications that your baby can hear
Newborn to eight weeks
Your baby is startled or widens their eyes at sudden noises nearby or is woken or stirred from sleep by noise
Eight weeks to four months
Your baby is looking towards the direction of sound and they may quieten while listening
Six to 12 months
Your baby is starting to turn their head towards known voices or sounds and is starting to babble
12 to 18 months
Your toddler knows the names of their favourite toys and is beginning to imitate simple words and sounds
18 to 24 months
Your toddler has a small vocabulary of single words and is can understand simple directions such as ‘Give mummy the ball’
Two-and-a-half to 4 years
Your child has clear speech with a good vocabulary
Temporary hearing loss in children
There are some common causes of temporary hearing loss in children, including:
- A build-up of wax in the ear canal
- Excess mucus in the eustachian tube, caused by illness such as a cold
- Middle ear fluid
- Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Hearing in School-Age Children
Hearing difficulties in school age children are known to have a significant impact on their social, behavioural and academic growth.
Indications of hearing problems in older children include the child:
- Not responding when called
- Talking too loudly
- Watching the television with the volume turned up too high
- Pronouncing words incorrectly
- Appearing inattentive and prone to daydreaming
As well as diagnostic hearing assessments for children, DWM Audiology provides:
- Educational hearing tests to assess a child’s auditory processing capabilities
- Hyperacusis and Misophonia evaluation and management
Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD)
Central Auditory Processing describes the skills used by the brain to extract meaningful information from sound. Efficient processing of auditory information is important for children to be successful in learning and communication.
A Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD) can lead to difficulties with educational achievement, social development and educational well-being.
CAPD Testing is suitable for adults and children from age 7. Before age 7, there is too wide a range of auditory processing abilities to make reliable comparisons.
Hyperacusis and Misophonia
Hyperacusis is an abnormal sensitivity or intolerance. Children with hyperacusis experience a heightened sense of volume and physical discomfort towards certain sounds, which other children can tolerate. Hyperacusis can develop in children with high anxiety levels, neurological disorders and auditory pathway problems.
Misophonia is a strongly aversive response to certain sound triggers, including eating, breathing, noises, etc. These responses can develop in children or during teenage years.
Hearing Tests For Kids In Melbourne
DWM Audiology offers hearing assessments for children aged 9 months+. Our trusted clinic offers extensive experience in hearing assessment, CAPD assessment and misophonia/hyperacusis evaluation and therapy.
Book an appointment with our expert audiologists today to discuss any hearing concerns you may have for your child. Give us a call or complete the form below.
Our Services
Hearing Tests for Adults
A reduced capacity to communicate has a significant impact on relationships, career opportunities, social connection, independent living and quality of life.
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Do I Need A Hearing Aid?
We carry out a range of hearing tests that help determine whether you need a hearing aid.
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Choosing Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are available in three styles; BTE, RIC or are fully contained in the ear.
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Getting Used To Hearing Aids
With new hearing aids your concept of “normal” hearing will need to be relearnt.
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Fine-Tuning Hearing Aids
We have extensive training, experience and expertise in fine-tuning contemporary hearing aids to individual communication needs.
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Hearing Aid Fittings
Your fitting package will include an instruction booklet and the accessories needed for maintenance and dehumidification
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Hearing Aid Maintenance
To minimise the need for repairs and to preserve the life of your hearing aids, regular and thorough maintenance is essential.
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Hyperacusis & Misophonia
Both conditions have the potential to escalate, so that an increasing range of sounds become intolerable.
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Misophonia
Misophonia is a strongly aversive response or abnormal sensitivity to certain specific sounds
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Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the term used to describe hearing any sounds which are not present externally.
Read MoreAcoustic Shock
Acoustic shock is an involuntary fright/psychological trauma reaction to sudden, loud noises.
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Auditory Processing
A Central Auditory Processing Disorder (CAPD, sometimes called APD) occurs when this process is impaired.
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