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As a parent, your child’s health and development are your top priorities. If you suspect your child might have difficulty hearing, or if their speech development seems delayed, it's natural to feel worried. The most important step you can take is seeking an expert evaluation, and the earlier, the better.
At Beacon Audiology, our qualified paediatric audiologists are here to guide every step of the way.
Why Early Intervention is Crucial
The early diagnosis of any degree or type of hearing loss in children is important for effective intervention. Even subtle issues like a unilateral hearing loss (one-sided) or a mild hearing loss can be very difficult to detect without a thorough professional assessment, yet they can significantly impact speech, language development and school performance.
Our team understands the importance of assessing the entire auditory pathway. We collaborate closely with your GP, ENT consultants and speech and language therapists to ensure your child’s hearing health is part of a complete developmental plan.
Key Signs to Watch For by Age Group
Parents are often the first to notice a change. While formal screening occurs at birth, it's vital to watch for the following signs as your child grows:
Age Group | Signs of Potential Hearing Difficulty |
Infant/Toddler (0-2 years) | Does not startle at loud noises. Does not turn head toward a sound source. Not babbling or imitating speech sounds. |
Pre-School (3-5 years) | Often says "What?" or "Huh?" Speaks louder than necessary. Has difficulty understanding and following simple directions. |
School Age (5+ years) | Has trouble keeping up in noisy environments. Struggles to differentiate between similar-sounding words (e.g., tree/key). Frequently turns up the volume on devices. |
The Beacon Audiology Difference
At Beacon Audiology, we are fully equipped with both the necessary expertise and advanced equipment to conduct comprehensive hearing assessments for children of all ages.
We conduct every assessment in a child-friendly and non-threatening environment. You can download our Social Story to help prepare your child for their visit.
If you are concerned about your child’s hearing or speech development, contact our team today to book a comprehensive hearing assessment.