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Children don’t always have the words to tell us they’re struggling to hear clearly. Sometimes children’s hearing concerns can show up in more non-verbal ways, like not responding to a call from another room or becoming frustrated when following instructions.
These moments can be easy to brush off as inattention or behaviour, especially if they’re happening gradually over time. Hearing concerns in children can also affect their speech and daily communication.
A hearing test can help parents quickly understand whether their child has any hearing concerns and if extra support may be beneficial.
Newborn Hearing Screening Is the First Step
Your child’s first hearing test can happen quite early on. The Canadian Pediatric Society actually recommends that your newborn have their hearing tested. These screenings are non-invasive, quick, and can help identify babies who may need a more thorough hearing evaluation.
Healthlink BC also explains that newborn hearing screening doesn’t hurt or harm your baby. The tests involve playing soft sounds in your baby’s ears and measuring your baby’s responses to them.
Passing this first screening is reassuring. However, hearing difficulties can still develop later on, which is why you should continue watching for hearing concerns as your child continues to grow.
Your Child Should Be Tested if Speech or Language Seems Delayed
Hearing plays a very important role in how children develop speech and learning skills, which is why it’s so important to check your child’s hearing early. Your child may need a hearing test if they’re:
- Not responding to sounds consistently.
- Using fewer words than expected.
- Speaking unclearly or pronouncing words incorrectly.
- Struggling to follow simple directions.
Even mild hearing loss can still make language learning harder, which is why getting a test early on can help your child’s development and communication at school and home. A hearing test doesn’t mean something is definitely wrong, but it can help answer important questions early.
The Everyday Signs Can Be Easy to Miss
Hearing problems in children don’t always look like the signs of hearing loss in adults. Sometimes the signs of hearing loss can look like frustration and fatigue, or behavioural changes. A child may hear some sounds clearly but still miss certain parts of speech, especially if there is background noise or you’re talking to them from another room.
Some specific signs to keep a close eye on include:
- Frequently asking “what?” or “huh?” after you speak.
- Turning up the volume on electronic devices like TVs and headphones.
- Not responding to your calls, especially if it’s from a distance.
- Appearing distracted or withdrawn during everyday conversations.
- Complaints of ear pain, pressure, ringing, or blocked ears.
- Having difficulty following oral instructions at home or school.
Test After Ear Infections or Ongoing Ear Problems
An ear infection (otitis media) is typically caused by a buildup of fluid behind the eardrum and can cause temporary hearing loss even after the infection has passed. If your child frequently suffers from ear infections, ongoing ear pain and pressure, or complains about muffled sounds, it’s worth having their hearing tested.
Even temporary hearing changes can make learning harder, especially in busy classrooms. An audiologist can test whether your child’s hearing has returned to normal levels and help you understand how to help your child and when follow-up is recommended.
School Concerns Are Another Reason to Check Hearing
One of the first people to notice hearing concerns might actually be your child’s teachers. That’s because children with hearing loss may miss developmental milestones and participate less in class. Often it can look like inattention when the real issue is that speech isn’t coming through clearly enough.
These classroom concerns are worth checking. A hearing test can help determine whether hearing loss is present and provide clearer next steps for parents, guardians, and teachers.
What Happens During a Child’s Hearing Test?
The type of hearing test your child will receive depends on their age, development, and comfort levels. Older children may get tested by wearing headphones and responding to sounds, repeating words, or simply raising their hand if they’re nonverbal. Younger children may take part in fun listening games where they respond to sounds through play.
For babies and very young children, some tests measure ear or hearing responses without the need for spoken answers. The test will always be age-appropriate and as comfortable as possible. After testing, the audiologist will clearly explain the results and give you and your child recommended next steps.
Trust Your Concerns
You don’t need to wait until hearing concerns become serious. You can start asking questions now. If something feels off, a hearing test can provide the clear answers you need to understand what support can help. That early support helps with speech, learning, confidence, and everyday communication.
With locations across Southern Alberta and the East Kootenays, The Hearing Loss Clinic offers you and your family caring guidance for both children and adults. If you’re having concerns about your child’s hearing, contact The Hearing Loss Clinic to book a hearing test today.