Has your child’s hearing been checked?
One of the questions we ask new clients is whether their child has a history of hearing issues, and when their hearing was last checked. This is because a child’s ability to hear sounds and words clearly can significantly impact their speech and language development.
Children with ongoing hearing problems are more likely to have difficulty understanding the sounds and words people say. This can in turn impact their ability to say sounds and words and be understood by others.
Children who have recurring ear infections, known as Otitis Media, can also be at risk of temporary hearing loss which can impact their ability to hear sounds and words.
You should book a hearing screening for your child if:
- you are concerned they do not respond to you (i.e. they don’t look at you when you call their name, they don’t react to loud sounds).
- you are concerned about their speech clarity or pronunciation of words.
In Queensland there are several options for children’s hearing checks:
- The Queensland Government Healthy Hearing Program offers free hearing screening to newborn babies, ideally in hospital or within one to two weeks of birth. Further information, support and screening services are provided to parents if newborn babies do not pass their hearing screening.
- Children between 9 months and 16 years can access a free hearing screening at a Queensland Government community hearing screening clinic. Further information and support, which may include a referral to an audiologist, is provided if potential hearing issues are identified.
- Find a private audiologist to test your child’s hearing through Audiology Australia.
The earlier a hearing problem is identified the earlier intervention can begin to improve their speech and language development.
References:
Harrison, L.J. & McLeod, S. (2011). Risk and protective factors associated with speech and language impairment in a nationally representative sample of 4 – 5 year old children. Journal of Speech, Language and Hearing Research. 53. 508-529. https://pubs.asha.org/doi/epdf/10.1044/1092-4388%282009/08-0086%29
McLeod, S. & Baker, E. (2017). Children’s Speech: An evidence-based approach to assessment and intervention. Pearson Education Inc.
