Hearing Tests for Children
Reviewed
Also called: audiometry, audiography, audiogram, sound test
Hearing tests measure how well your baby or child can hear different sounds. These tests can differ depending on the child's age.
Specimen: Not applicable
Urgent safety information
If your baby or child shows signs of hearing loss, contact your child's provider as soon as possible.
Why this test may be ordered
- Routine hearing screening is recommended for all newborns by 1 month of age, before school entry, and as part of regular health checkups for school-aged children.
- Complete hearing tests are needed if a child does not pass a newborn screening test (by 3 months of age), has a high risk for developing hearing loss (e.g., family history, certain infections), or shows signs of hearing loss such as not startling at loud noises, not turning toward sound after 6 months, not saying simple words by 12 months, unclear speech, not following directions, often saying 'Huh?', turning TV volume too high, or learning problems.
Preparation and collection
There are no special preparations for a hearing test. But it's helpful to tell your child what to expect. Let your child know they will hear sounds.
Which hearing tests your child's provider uses will depend on your child's age and ability to follow instructions. Hearing screening tests for newborns, infants, and very young children can measure hearing without needing your child to cooperate. These tests can even be done while your child sleeps. Hearing screening tests for older children are usually audiometry tests.
There is no risk to having hearing tests.
Understanding results
If the results of complete hearing tests show that your child has hearing loss, the results will also show how severe it is, which ear is affected more, and whether they have conductive, sensorineural, or both types of hearing loss.
- Screening shows normal hearing: If your child's hearing screening test shows normal hearing, your child usually won't need more hearing tests until their next routine screening. Limitation: Even if a child has had a normal hearing test in the past, new concerns about hearing should be discussed with a provider because some hearing loss can develop later or become worse over time. Next step: But if you have concerns about your child's hearing or if your child has risks for hearing loss, talk with your child's provider about getting more complete hearing tests.
- Did not pass the screening test: If they don't pass a screening test, or if you have concerns about your child's hearing, more complete tests can diagnose hearing problems. Limitation: These tests can differ depending on the child's age. Next step: If your baby doesn't pass the newborn hearing screening test, your baby will need complete hearing tests before they reach 3 months of age.
- Conductive hearing loss: With conductive hearing loss, treatment may be able to restore your child's hearing. Limitation: The treatment will depend on what's blocking sound from reaching the inner ear. Next step: It may include removing wax, draining fluid, or doing surgery to fix problems with the eardrum or ear bones.
- Sensorineural hearing loss: If the results of complete hearing tests show that your child has hearing loss, the results will also show how severe it is. Limitation: With sensorineural hearing loss, the loss of hearing is permanent. Next step: But your child's hearing may improve with hearing aids or surgery to implant a device called a cochlear implant.
- Screening tests are not diagnostic; they only indicate whether further testing is needed.
- A pass on a screening test does not rule out hearing loss, especially if the child has risk factors or if concerns persist.
- Complete hearing tests are needed to diagnose the type and severity of hearing loss.
What to do next
If you have questions about your child's hearing and treatment, talk with your child's primary care provider or hearing specialist.
- What type of hearing loss does my child have?
- How severe is the hearing loss?
- What treatment or support options are available for my child?
- How often should my child's hearing be rechecked?
- Are there any specialists I should see?
Evidence source
Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Practices and reference ranges may differ in your country.
U.S. National Library of Medicine: Hearing Tests for Children