Children are offered routine hearing tests to identify any problems early on in their development.
Serious hearing problems during childhood are rare. But early testing ensures that any problems can be managed as early as possible.
Why hearing tests are important
Hearing tests carried out in childhood can help identify most children with significant hearing loss.
Without routine hearing tests, there’s a chance that a hearing problem could go undiagnosed for many months or even years.
It’s important to identify hearing problems as early as possible. This is because they can affect your child’s speech and language development, social skills and education.
Treatment and support are more effective if any problems are detected and managed early on.
When your child's hearing will be checked
Your child's hearing is usually checked a few times up to age 4 or 5.
Within a few days of birth
This is known as newborn hearing screening.
From 3 months to 2 years
You may be asked if you have any concerns about your child's hearing during their health and development checks.
Hearing tests can be arranged if needed.
At around age 4 or 5
This test usually happens when your child is in junior infants at school.
A public health nurse uses headphones to check your child's hearing.
They ask your child to:
- put on the headphones
- listen for sounds
- let the nurse know when they hear the sounds
You will be given a consent form to sign in advance of this check.
Your child's hearing can also be checked at any other time if you have any concerns.
Non-urgent advice: Talk to your GP or public health nurse if:
Your public health nurse or GP may refer your child to a specialist in hearing (audiologist). The audiology service will arrange the appointment.
All tests are free for children under 18.
What happens during a hearing test
The tests your child needs will depend on their age. There are different tests that gather information about your child's ears and hearing.
For some tests your child will have to respond to sounds. For others your child will not need to respond.
The tests give information on your child's ear function and hearing ability. They do not cause any pain or discomfort.
Getting the results
For newborn screening you get the result immediately after the test.
If your child is having the school screening test, you will only be contacted if your child does not pass the screen. The nurse will contact you and explain what happens next.
Further tests
Your child may be offered further testing. If a possible issue is identified, your child may be referred to a specialist in hearing (audiologist).
Depending on the results, the hearing specialist may recommend:
- no further action - this means there is no problem with your child's hearing
- continuing to monitor your child's hearing as they grow, particularly if there are risk factors
- giving your child hearing aids
- other types of treatment, such as a cochlear implant or bone-anchored hearing aid
The hearing specialist may want to refer your child to:
- an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist for a second opinion
- an ENT specialist if your child has middle ear fluid that does not go away - they may need surgery to remove the fluid
- a paediatrician (children's doctor) to see what has caused the hearing loss
- Chime (formerly DeafHear), a national charity for deafness and hearing loss
- a speech and language therapist
The hearing specialist can also give you advice about:
- coping with the diagnosis
- understanding childhood deafness
- technology and other useful equipment that can help with hearing
- other services and professionals who can support you