Children’s Hearing Tests
CHILDREN'S ENT / HEARING TESTS
Hearing assessment for newborns, babies and children, including follow up after newborn hearing screening and checks for speech delay, with consultant ENT surgeon Dr Nurhani Yasmin Abdul Rahman at Kemena Pacific Hospital.
Why hearing matters for children
Children learn to speak by hearing. Even mild or one sided hearing loss can delay speech and affect learning. The earlier a hearing problem is found, the better a child's speech and language development.
When to have your child's hearing tested
- Your baby did not pass the newborn hearing screening
- Your child is not responding to sounds or their name
- Speech is delayed or unclear for their age
- Your child turns up the TV or asks "what?" often
- After repeated ear infections or glue ear
- A family history of childhood hearing loss
Types of hearing tests
Newborn and baby tests: Quick, painless tests done while the baby sleeps or lies still, using a small earpiece.
Play based tests: For toddlers, sounds are linked to simple games.
Standard hearing test: For older children, responding to sounds through headphones.
Middle ear test (tympanometry): Checks for fluid behind the eardrum.
How Dr Yasmin helps
Dr Yasmin examines your child's ears, arranges the right hearing test for their age, and explains the results clearly. Common causes such as wax or glue ear can be treated. If permanent hearing loss is found, she guides you on the next steps, including hearing aids and support for speech and language.
FAQs
My baby failed the newborn hearing screening. Does that mean hearing loss?
Not always. Fluid or debris in the ear after birth can cause a failed screen. A repeat test confirms the result.
At what age can a child's hearing be tested?
At any age, from newborns onwards.
Can speech delay be caused by hearing problems?
Yes. Hearing should always be checked in a child with speech delay.