Hearing Tests for Children

Learn About Hearing Tests

Use this page as a structured starting point: what to notice, questions to ask, and how to decide the next step. This page is informational and can’t diagnose.

On this page
  1. What this test can tell you
  2. Common signs to look for
  3. How the test works
  4. What to do next

What this test can tell you

The goal is to help you organize what you’re noticing and decide whether it’s worth talking to a professional. Scores are not a diagnosis.

Common signs to look for

Every child is different, but here are a few patterns families often report:

  • Challenges with attention, learning, or staying organized
  • Big emotions, worries, or changes in sleep
  • Social or communication challenges
  • Repetitive behaviors or rigid routines
  • Sensory sensitivities (sound, touch, movement, textures)

How the test works

Answer a short set of questions based on what you see at home and at school. Be as honest as possible, and focus on what’s consistent over time.

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Understanding Hearing Tests

Hearing tests help identify whether a child has difficulty hearing sounds clearly. Early detection of hearing problems is extremely important because hearing directly affects speech development, language learning, and social communication.

Several types of hearing tests are used by audiologists depending on the child’s age, cooperation level, and suspected condition.

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA)

Pure Tone Audiometry is the most common hearing test used for older children and adults. The child listens to different sound frequencies through headphones and indicates when they hear a sound.

BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry)

BERA is an objective hearing test that evaluates how the auditory nerve and brainstem respond to sound. Small electrodes are placed on the head to measure brain activity when sounds are played.

OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions)

OAE testing measures the response produced by the inner ear (cochlea) when sound enters the ear. A small probe is placed in the ear canal that sends sounds and records the ear’s response.

Impedance Audiometry

Impedance testing (also called tympanometry) evaluates how the middle ear is functioning. It checks the movement of the eardrum and identifies problems such as fluid in the ear or Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Why Early Hearing Testing Matters

Children with untreated hearing loss may experience delays in speech, language development, learning, and social interaction. Early hearing evaluation allows families to seek proper support and intervention.

If you suspect your child may have hearing difficulties, consulting a qualified audiologist or speech-language professional can help determine the next steps.