Paediatric Hearing Test
At CK Audiology, we provide comprehensive paediatric hearing tests from the age of 6 months.
Why is a hearing test important for children?
Hearing plays a vital role in your child’s speech, language, learning, and social development. Even mild or temporary hearing issues can impact how they communicate and engage with the world around them.
A paediatric hearing assessment is recommended if you notice:
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Delayed speech or unclear pronunciation
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Difficulty following instructions
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Frequent ear infections
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Turning up the volume louder than usual
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Concerns raised by teachers or caregivers
Early identification of hearing issues allows for timely support, helping your child reach their full developmental potential.
What does the test involve?
Our paediatric hearing tests are gentle, engaging, and tailored to your child’s age and development.
Depending on your child’s age, the assessment may includes:
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Detailed case history
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Ear examination
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Middle ear test
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Play-based hearing test
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Games that encourage your child to respond to sounds through headphones or speakers
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Speech testing
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Assessing how well your child hears and understands speech
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Objective tests
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Automated tests that don't require your child to respond to give accurate objective assessment
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Results and Recommendations
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Discussion of results and any referrals that may be recommended (e.g. ENT or Speech Therapy)
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Why choose us?
At CK Audiology, our experienced clinicians take the time to ensure your child feels safe, supported, and understood. We provide clear explanations and practical guidance, so you feel confident in the next steps for your child’s hearing care.
Our goal is simple: to give your child the best possible start by supporting healthy hearing and communication.
Different Testing Techniques
VISUAL REINFORCEMENT AUDIOMETRY
Behavioural testing can be completed as soon as a child is able to sit unassisted and turn their head by themselves, this is usually between 6-12 months of age. This age group are tested using Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA). VRA is commonly tested in a soundfield, meaning it is testing both ears together.
VRA can also be conducted using a bone conductor. This allows the sound to stimulate the cochlear/nerve part of the hearing system directly.
PLAY AUDIOMETRY
Once a child is able to follow simple instructions and concentrate for longer testing periods, normally around 2.5 years of age, Play Audiometry is the preferred testing technique. Play Audiometry is usually tested using headphones so separate ear information can be obtained. Bone conduction is also used to determine the underlying or cochlear/nerve based hearing. Children this age are often able to conduct simple Speech Recognition testing, commonly used is the Kendal Toy Test (KTT).
PURE TONE AUDIOMETRY
Older children are tested using standard audiological assessments. This includes Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) and standard Speech Recognition testing.