Hearing Test for Babies and Children
Hearing is important to your child’s development. It affects their speech, language development and social interactions. At Hearing Partners, our hearing tests for babies and children are conducted by hearing care professionals using age-appropriate methods to help detect potential hearing loss and allow for timely intervention. Learn more below.
What Are the Types of Hearing Tests for Babies and Children?
Hearing tests for babies and children are available at our Hearing and Balance Centre (HBC) and Tawakkal outlets. Do note that a doctor’s referral is required before booking an appointment, and certain tests may require parents’ participation.
The type of hearing test conducted depends on your child’s age, medical history, and the reason for the assessment. Our audiologists will tailor the approach based on these factors to ensure accuracy and comfort.
| Age | Suggested hearing test |
|---|---|
| Newborn (Below 7 months old) | |
| Baby (7 months – 2 years old) | |
| Toddler (2 years old – 6 years old) | |
| Children (6 years old and above) |
Note: These assessments are not free and should be done following a referral from your ENT Doctor or relevant physician.
Hearing Loss in Babies and Children
Early detection and intervention for hearing problems in children play a vital role in enhancing their overall quality of life. These are some common causes and signs to look out for when identifying hearing loss in children.
Causes of Hearing Loss
- Genetics (i.e. other members of the family also suffer from hearing loss)
- Exposure to loud noises
- Infections like middle ear infections or meningitis
- Injury
- Certain medications
Signs of Hearing Loss
- Difficulty following instructions
- Not responding when their name is called
- Delayed or unclear speech
- Watching the television on unusually high volumes
- Lack of reaction to loud sounds
- Inattentiveness to conversations
As each case of hearing loss is different, the signs you notice for each child may differ. If you suspect that your child has hearing loss, book an appointment to have your child’s hearing tested.
Where to Take a Paediatric Hearing Test in Malaysia?
Paediatric hearing assessments are available exclusively at the Hearing and Balance Centre (HBC) and Tawakkal outlets. Please note that a doctor’s referral is required before booking an appointment to ensure appropriate medical coordination and follow-up.
Hearing & Balance Centre (HBC)
Address: Consultation Room A809, Level 8, Block A, Pantai Hospital, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (Monday – Friday), 9am – 1pm (Saturday)
Phone: +60 3-2282 3299
Email: nukh@hearingpartners.com.my
Tawakkal
Address: No. 29-G, Ground Floor Jalan Sarikei, Off Jalan Pahang, 53000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (Monday – Friday), 9am – 1pm (Saturday)
Phone: +60 3-4031 9140
Email: nuhu@hearingpartners.com.my
Hearing & Balance Centre (HBC)
Address: Consultation Room A809, Level 8, Block A, Pantai Hospital, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (Monday – Friday), 9am – 1pm (Saturday)
Phone: +60 3-2282 3299
Email: nukh@hearingpartners.com.my
Tawakkal
Address: No. 29-G, Ground Floor Jalan Sarikei, Off Jalan Pahang, 53000 Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 9am – 5pm (Monday – Friday), 9am – 1pm (Saturday)
Phone: +60 3-4031 9140
Email: nuhu@hearingpartners.com.my
Why Choose Hearing Partners?
Leading hearing care provider
Dedicated team of audiologists
Our team of skilled audiologists is committed to delivering top-notch hearing care services to customers by offering free basic hearing tests and personalised recommendations.
Personalised hearing care solutions
Customer Reviews
“I Wish to say Tq to Mr Mohammad Syafiq fr Hearing Partners greentown Ipoh for his excellent services. He is very friendly and patient attending to my parents. We have bought the hearing aids from him and my parents are happy with the hearing aids. They can listen better and clearly. Keep it up with your good services. TQ again.”
Kar Siew Lee
Dr. Shireen Hashim
Khong Yi Low
FAQs About Hearing Tests for Children and Babies
What are infant hearing tests?
Infant hearing tests are specialised assessments used to evaluate the hearing of a newborn or infant, even before they are old enough to respond verbally. Because hearing plays an important role in speech, language, and overall development, early detection is essential. These tests help identify hearing loss or hearing-related conditions as early as possible, allowing families to seek appropriate support and intervention if needed.
When should my child be tested for hearing loss?
We recommend that children with a genetic predisposition to hearing loss or a higher risk of acquired/progressive (hearing loss that deteriorates over time) or delayed-onset hearing loss (hearing loss that develops in a child after birth) undergo a hearing test by the age of 2.5 years old.
Detecting and addressing hearing problems in children at an early stage is vital for enhancing their overall well-being. By identifying hearing loss early on and providing timely intervention, children can develop and function at the same level as their peers when they start school.
Is newborn hearing screening compulsory in Malaysia?
No, newborn hearing screening is not compulsory in Malaysia. However, it is strongly recommended because it helps identify hearing loss early, often before any signs or symptoms become apparent.
Early detection is important because hearing plays a crucial role in a child’s speech, language, learning, and social development. When hearing loss is identified and managed early, children have a better opportunity to develop communication skills and reach important developmental milestones.
If your baby did not undergo newborn hearing screening or if you have concerns about their hearing, schedule an appointment at any of our clinics today.
Are paediatric hearing tests painful?
No, paediatric hearing tests are not painful and are non-invasive. The type of test used will depend on your child’s age, developmental stage, and ability to respond to sounds.
Some tests involve listening to sounds through headphones, while others measure the ear’s natural response to sound using small sensors or soft ear probes. These procedures do not cause pain and are generally well tolerated by infants and children.
Our hearing care professionals will work closely with you and your child to create a calm and supportive environment, making the experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Can I test my child’s hearing at home?
- Observe your child’s response to sound: Make various noises or whisper from different distances at different pitches and angles to see if your child reacts accordingly. If your child fails to respond on multiple occasions, it may be a sign that they suffer from hearing loss.
- Speech-in-noise test: This test evaluates your child’s ability to understand speech in noisy environments. Play recordings of speech against a noisy background and observe your child’s reaction or level of understanding.
It is important to note that these simple hearing tests merely serve as a gauge of your child’s hearing abilities. They should not replace a professional hearing test conducted by an audiologist. Schedule an appointment at any one of our hearing clinics today.
How much does a hearing test for a baby or child cost?
How can I prepare my child for their hearing test?
| Before the hearing test | On the day of the hearing test |
|---|---|
|
|
*A place is considered loud when you have to raise your voice or shout to converse with another person who is standing 1m or 3ft away from you.
Can hearing loss in children be treated?
Yes, many forms of hearing loss in children can be treated or managed, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. For example, hearing loss caused by ear infections or fluid in the middle ear may improve with medical treatment or minor procedures.
While permanent hearing loss cannot be treated, it may be managed with hearing aids, cochlear implants, or other hearing support technologies. Speech and language therapy may also be recommended to support a child’s communication development.
The most important factor is early identification. The sooner a hearing issue is detected, the sooner appropriate intervention can begin. This can make a significant difference to a child’s speech, language, educational, and social development. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, speak to our hearing care professionals today.
What happens if my child has hearing loss?
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, your hearing care professional may recommend the following steps, depending on the type, degree, and cause of the hearing loss.
- Further assessments to better understand your child’s hearing needs (where necessary)
- Hearing aids or other hearing devices
- Referral to an ENT specialist if medical treatment is required
- Speech and language therapy to support communication development
- Regular hearing monitoring and follow-up appointments
Our hearing care professionals will support you and your child every step of the way. Schedule an appointment with us to discuss your child’s hearing needs today.
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