Hearing
Your baby will have a hearing test soon after they are born. This will help to find out if they have any problems with their hearing.
You will be asked whether you have concerns about your child's hearing as part of a review of your child's health. This will happen when they are 9-12 months and 2 – 2.5 years. A hearing test can then be arranged if its needed.
At around 4 or 5 years old, when your child may start school, they will be offered a hearing test.
To find out more about school hearing and vision screening tests *click here*
It is really important to find out if your child has hearing problems as early as possible because it can affect their speech and language, social skills and education. Here are some things that you can look out for:
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As
babies get older they will start to become more aware of their surroundings. They will: - Start to notice sounds around them and react to loud noises.
- Quieten or smile to a familiar voice.
- Turn to look where a noise has come from.
- React to noises they hear often.
- Respond to their own name and words they hear a lot.
If you are concerned they are not doing any of these things speak to your GP or health visitor.
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In
older children, signs of a possible hearing problem can include:- Not paying attention or concentrating.
- Not responding when their name is called.
- Talking loudly and listening to the television at a high volume.
- Difficulty spotting where a noise has come from.
- Mispronouncing words.
- A change in their progress at school.
Speak to your GP if you are concerned about your child's hearing.
Who Can Help?
You can contact the Healthy Child Programme by calling Just One Number on 0300 300 0123 or texting Parentline on 07520 631590. Our opening hours are 8am-6pm Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays) and 9am-1pm on Saturdays.
If you are 11-19 you can text Chathealth on 07480 635060 for confidential advice from one of the Healthy Child Programme team.
