Kids' hearing tests (ages 5 and over)

A kids' hearing test checks how well your child hears and understands speech, and looks for common problems such as glue ear or wax. We test children aged 5 and over. It is painless, and you stay with your child throughout.

Ages
5 years and over
Comfort
Painless, parents stay in the room
Referral
Not needed
Where
All four clinics
Audiologist testing young boy's hearing.

Signs your child may need a hearing test

  • Often says "what?" or misses instructions
  • Turns the TV up loud
  • Struggles to follow in a noisy classroom
  • Teacher has raised concerns about listening or attention
  • Frequent ear infections or a blocked feeling
  • Speech that is unclear for their age

Not sure what you need?

Call us and describe what is happening. We will point you to the right appointment.

What happens at the test

  1. Chat with you

    We ask about health, ear infections, school and any concerns from teachers.

  2. Ear check

    A gentle look in the ears for wax, infection or fluid.

  3. Listening games

    Your child listens for beeps through headphones and repeats words, responding by pressing a button or raising a hand.

  4. Middle-ear test

    A quick pressure test that picks up glue ear and Eustachian tube problems.

Helping your child feel comfortable

Explain it simply

Tell them it is a listening activity with headphones and it does not hurt.

Use positive words

Talk about checking their ears are healthy, rather than a test they might fail.

Bring a comfort item

A favourite toy can help nervous children settle.

Pick a good time

Book when your child is usually rested and alert, often in the morning.

Kids' hearing tests: common questions

What age can my child be tested?

We see children aged 5 and over. For younger children and babies, we can suggest a paediatric service.

How often should my child's hearing be checked?

Whenever you or their teacher have concerns, after repeated ear infections, or if their speech or schoolwork changes.

Can a hearing problem affect learning?

Yes. Even mild or temporary hearing loss, such as from glue ear, can make it hard to follow lessons and can affect speech, attention and confidence.

What happens if a problem is found?

We explain the results and, where needed, write to your GP so they can arrange treatment or referral to an ENT specialist.

Where you can book

Available at all four of our Northern Tasmania clinics.

Ready to hear more clearly?

Book online in a couple of minutes, or call and we will find the earliest time at the clinic nearest you.