If you have any doubt at all about your baby or child’s hearing, have them tested.

Babies and children are highly susceptible to temporary or fluctuating hearing loss, associated with middle ear fluid or middle ear infections. This can have a significant effect on the development of their language and communication skills.

Delayed or absent speech development is the most important clue indicating a possible hearing loss in a very young child.

Other signs:

• Your child seems to hear well at times and not respond at other times 
• Your child appears inattentive 
• Your child starts to speak more loudly than usual 
• Your child looks at you intently when you are speaking – they may be depending on visual cues

Common causes of temporary hearing loss in children include:

• 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)

A newborn hearing screening program will detect a permanent congenital hearing loss.

Some genetic hearing losses can develop progressively after birth. Conditions that may cause permanent acquired hearing loss in children include ototoxic medications, encephalitis, mumps, measles, meningitis, large vestibular aqueduct, head injury, sudden onset hearing loss and noise exposure.

We offer hearing assessments for all children aged from 9 months.

Sometimes babies fail their hearing test because of temporary causes such as blockages or fluid in the ear, which can be treated. 

Hearing loss is measured by degrees: mild, moderate, severe or profound. Because there are so many different kinds of hearing loss, and so many causes for hearing loss, the appropriate treatments and interventions for your child will depend on the circumstances.  We can provide expert advice with regards to appropriate intervention.