Hearing Tests for Children
At North West Hearing, we offer private hearing tests for children aged three and upwards, carried out by experienced paediatric audiologists in a calm, child-friendly setting.
We take a gentle, age-appropriate approach and support both you and your child from the initial assessment through to any ongoing care or hearing support they may need.
Diagnosing Hearing Loss in Children
Most children in the UK are screened for hearing at birth and again during early school years, but problems can still develop between or after these checks. These changes can be gradual, and children might not always realise or be able to explain that they are struggling to hear.
Early diagnosis is important. The sooner we identify any issues, the sooner we can help your child stay confident and connected at home, in school, and socially. Prompt support can also play a key role in their speech, language, and overall development.
Signs to Look Out For
As a parent or carer, you are often the first to spot when something is not quite right. Hearing loss can show up in different ways, including:
- Frequently saying “what?” or “pardon?”
- Not responding when their name is called
- Seeming distracted, tired, or unsettled
- Turning up the volume on the TV
- Speaking too loudly or mispronouncing words
- Struggling with reading, spelling, or phonics
- Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
- Daydreaming or not following instructions
If any of these sound familiar, it is worth booking a hearing test, just to be sure.
Our Paediatric Hearing Tests
We tailor every test to your child’s age and developmental stage, using engaging, child-friendly methods to ensure accurate results in a relaxed environment.
Play Audiometry (ages three to six):
A game-based hearing test that helps us identify the quietest sounds your child can hear. We use headphones and, when needed, a gentle vibrating button to assess how sound travels through the ear.
Pure Tone Audiometry (age five and above):
A more grown-up version of the test, where your child listens to sounds through headphones and presses a button when they hear them. We may also use a device behind the ear to determine the type of hearing loss.
Tympanometry:
A quick, painless test to check middle ear function. A soft tip is placed in the ear, using air pressure to detect issues such as glue ear. Suitable for all ages.
Hearing Aids for Children
If hearing aids are recommended, we will guide you and your child through every step of the process, helping you choose the best solution for their needs.
Whether the hearing loss is temporary or permanent, hearing aids can make a big difference in your child’s communication, confidence, and day-to-day life.
As an independent clinic, we are able to offer a wide range of devices from leading manufacturers, including styles and colours to suit every personality. We will work closely with you to ensure the hearing aids support your child’s development as they grow, with expert guidance throughout.
Choose the Colour That Suits Them
Children’s hearing aids come in a wide variety of styles and colours to help them feel confident and in control. From bold brights to soft neutrals, they can choose a look they love.
We offer both behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-the-ear (RITE) models, with the option of tamperproof earhooks for added safety and personal flair.
Our audiologists take the time to guide you and your child through the options, making sure their hearing aids are not only functional but also feel like their own.
Book a Hearing Test for Your Child
Our audiologists are specially trained to work with children and teens, so you can feel confident your child is in safe, supportive hands.
Call us on 0161 491 1943 or fill in the form below to book a hearing test – we will be in touch to arrange an appointment at a time that works for you.