Paediatric Hearing Assessment

Hearing assessments tailored for children from infancy through adolescence

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Canberra Audiology offers paediatric hearing assessments for children and babies from 9 months to 15 years of age. If you need a child’s hearing assessment or have a referral from a health professional or educator, we are here to help.

Medicare Rebate Available

Hearing tests may attract a Medicare rebate with a written by GP, ENT, paediatrician or any medical practitioner before your appointment.

Behavioural paediatric hearing assessment usually consists of either Visual Response Audiometry, Play audiometry or Pure Tone Audiometry.

Suitable for developmental ages approximately 9 months to 3 years (note: developmental age may differ from chronological age).

This test is conducted in a sound booth using speakers and visual rewards such as animated toys or videos. Your child is trained to turn toward a sound and is rewarded when they respond correctly.

Once the task is understood, softer sounds are introduced to determine hearing levels.

Testing is typically performed using speakers (“free-field”), meaning both ears are assessed together. Individual ear testing may require a separate appointment if headphones or earphones are tolerated.

Note: This test is not suitable for children with blindness or significant vision loss due to its visual nature.

Infant testing using sound and visual rewards to assess responses.

Generally suitable for children aged 3–6 years.

This method turns hearing assessment into a game. Your child is asked to perform a simple task (e.g. placing a peg or activating a toy) each time they hear a sound.

Our audiologists tailor the activity to your child’s interests. Games may include peg boards, car runs, Pop-Up Pirate or T-Rex, Pop the Pig, and stickers.

This test requires engagement and the ability to follow simple instructions. If you feel your child may have difficulty participating, please contact us prior to the appointment so we can plan accordingly.

Game-based hearing tests designed for young children aged 3–6 years.

Your audiologist will assess your child at the beginning of the appointment to determine the most appropriate testing method.

Pure tone audiometry may be used when suitable, with the approach adapted to your child’s ability, comfort, and level of engagement.

If your child requires any special consideration, please let us know ahead of time.

Hearing testing adapted to your child’s ability.

What to Expect

Behavioural hearing assessments require participation. Some children may be unable or unwilling to complete testing due to:

  • Shyness or anxiety
  • Developmental delay
  • Autism or behavioural conditions
  • Fatigue or mood on the day

Occasionally, we are unable to complete one or more hearing tests during an assessment. While our audiologists make every effort to engage with each child, behavioural hearing assessments do require the child’s participation.

Some children may be unable or unwilling to participate. This can be due to:

  • Shyness or anxiety
  • Developmental delay
  • Autism or behavioural conditions
  • Fatigue or mood
  • or simply not feeling comfortable on the day

If this occurs, your audiologist will still gather as much information as possible about your child’s ears and hearing, and discuss appropriate next steps with you.

If testing cannot be completed, next steps may include:

Booking another appointment at Canberra Audiology to try again

Referral to Canberra Health Services (Belconnen), which provides free hearing assessments for children aged 18 months and over and may be suitable if multiple visits are required

Referral back to your GP for hospital-based objective hearing testing

Fees & Important Information

Canberra Audiology does not receive government funding for paediatric services. As a result, appointment fees apply even if full hearing results cannot be obtained.

Not sure what your child needs?

Contact us at (02) 6156 4474 and we will guide you to the most suitable assessment.

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