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Your child’s hearing is an important part of their overall health—from day one! Even mild hearing loss in children can cause problems with speech, language, learning, and social skills. That’s why it is important to get your child's hearing screened at birth and checked regularly.

Every newborn should have a hearing screening test before leaving the hospital. If your baby doesn't have a screening before leaving the hospital, or was born at home or a birthing center, you should get their hearing checked within the first three weeks of life. If your baby does not pass the hospital newborn hearing screen, a follow up audiology appointment or repeat screen is usually scheduled within a couple of weeks.

Infants and toddlers frequently have colds that can lead to ear infections. Protect your child’s hearing by having their doctor look at suspected ear infections. It is also important to have routine yearly hearing exams.

How is hearing tested?

For children younger than three years, hearing is tested by observing their response to sound and their ability to learn new words. When children turn three years old, they begin to be more cooperative with hearing exams.

Many children get behavioral hearing tests that monitor their response to sounds like calibrated speech (speech that is played with a particular volume and intensity) and pure tones (sounds with a specific pitch, like a note on a keyboard). During a test, babies or toddlers may make eye movements or turn their head. Preschoolers can respond to speech with activities like choosing a picture or repeating words.

Hearing tests for different ages

For infants and toddlers (ages 6 to 30 months), hearing is evaluated using a technique called visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA). For this test, your child will usually sit on your lap and sounds will be presented through speakers and/or through earphones. Your child will be taught to look toward an animated toy or a short video in response to the sound presented.

For preschoolers (ages 30 months to 4 years), hearing is typically evaluated using a technique called conditioned play audiometry (CPA). For this test, your child will be asked to respond to sounds heard through headphones by playing a simple game such as throwing a toy in a bucket or putting a peg in a peg board. If your child does not initially understand the game, the audiologist will work with them to understand the task.

At your child’s hearing test, the audiologist will also ask you questions about your child’s history and development and listen to any of your concerns. Throughout the visit, the audiologist will explain the tests and will share results with you, including any follow-up recommendations.