Children’s hearing tests
Hearing assessments for children, from 6 months of age, are a specialised area and should be conducted by an experienced Audiologist. Our Audiologist, Dr. Signe Steers, has almost 20 years of experience conducting paediatric hearing tests. At the Audiology Place, we are fully equipped with a paediatric soundproof testing room and state-of-the-art testing equipment. The Audiologist will use specific questions to gather information relating to your concerns, your child’s history of general health and development, as well as ear health and hearing healthcare to date.
It can be hard to identify when a child is struggling with their hearing. Sometimes, they are too young to communicate any difficulties, and quite often, younger children are not even aware of their concerns.
Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs)
Quick, non-invasive testing to assess inner ear (cochlear) function—ideal for babies and non-verbal children.
Tympanometry
Assesses middle ear function by measuring eardrum mobility. Common conditions, such as glue ear or ear infections, can affect hearing—especially in young children.
High-Frequency Audiometry
We include testing of high-pitched sounds, which are essential for detecting subtle or early-stage hearing loss.
Behavioural Audiometry (VRA and Play Audiometry)
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA) (6–30 months): Uses engaging lights or animations to reward responses to sounds.
Play Audiometry (2.5+ years): Hearing becomes a game—like placing a block each time a tone is heard.
Advanced & Complex Paediatric Diagnostics
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) Evaluation
Some children pass standard hearing tests but still struggle to understand instructions, follow conversations, or cope in noisy environments. This may indicate Auditory Processing Disorder, a condition affecting how the brain interprets sounds.
Complex Tests
With over 20 years' experience working with children, our doctor has a range of techniques for dealing with complex diagnostics. Our rooms are designed to ensure the most accurate results for a range of paediatric hearing issues.
Sound Treated Rooms
With sound treated rooms, we don't need to put your children in a booth or treat them outside of your supervision. You can sit there with them while we test them.
Auditory Processing
We have experience diagnosing APD and other speech discrimination issues. If your child is having issues in the classroom, we can help get them on the path to rehabilitation.
Wax Removal
With our special microsuction device we have had a lot of success removing wax from children's ears
Medicare Rebates
As a member of Audiology Australia you may be entitled to some medicare rebates. Up to $106 can be claimed in some circumstances.
From 6 Months Old
We test children from 6 months old. With our testing equipment, we don't necessarily need a response from the child to do a test.
Why choose The Audiology Place for your child’s hearing test?
Dr Steers has over 20 years of experience treating simple and complex children's hearing cases.
What makes our children's hearing tests different:
- Paediatric expertise: testing from 6 months of age with an audiologist experienced in working with children.
- Calm, child-friendly appointments: we adapt the test to your child’s age, confidence and developmental stage.
- Comprehensive diagnostics: including OAEs, tympanometry, Visual Reinforcement Audiometry, play audiometry and speech testing where appropriate.
- Independent advice: we are not owned by a hearing aid company or retail chain, so recommendations are based only on your child’s needs.
- Clear explanations for parents: you will leave understanding the results, what they mean, and what to do next.
- From the simple to the complex, including Auditory Processing issues, hearing and speech issues, delays or just a simple children's hearing test.
How do we test a child’s hearing?
Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA)
This test is used for children from around 6 months to around 3 years old. The child is taught to turn towards a visual reward when they hear a sound. During the test we play sounds of different frequencies and note when the child turns. The child will soon learn that when they hear a sound, a reward is there when they turn their head.
Not all children, especially the younger ones, tolerate wearing headphones, so we have the option of testing them in the free field through various speakers. In this instance, information will be obtained for the better hearing ear and hearing in general. Therefore, this test on its own, cannot eliminate a mild hearing loss or a hearing loss in one ear only. Ear specific information relating to a potential significant hearing loss in either ear is available through other diagnostic tests available at The Audiology Place.
Play Audiometry
This test is used for children from around 3 years of age. The child will play a ‘hearing game’ where we teach the child to do an action when they hear a tone through headphones. There are different games we can play, to ensure that the child’s interest is sustained for as long as we need.
Immittance Tests
These test shows how well your child’s middle ear is working, and can help diagnose if there is any fluid present. These tests also look at the acoustic reflexes present in either ear.
Otoacoustic Emissions
This test gives us a direct measurement of a specific type of hair cells in the child’s ear, called outer hair cells. In the instance a child does not tolerate headphones for ear specific information, this quick and painless test can rule out anything more significant than a mild hearing loss in each ear specifically.