Hearing is essential to a child’s development, yet it’s not always the first thing parents think to check. Speech, learning, and confidence can all be impacted if hearing difficulties go unnoticed. We believe in early testing to ensure every child has the best start in life.

Why Early Hearing Tests Matter

Children learn about the world around them through sound. From a baby recognising their parents’ voices to a school-age child following instructions in the classroom, hearing plays a key role in how they develop communication skills, build relationships, and absorb knowledge.

If a child struggles to hear, it can lead to:

• Speech and language delays – If they’re not hearing words properly, they may find it harder to develop speech and expand their vocabulary.

• Learning difficulties – Hearing problems can make it harder to concentrate, follow lessons, or retain information at school.

• Frustration and social withdrawal – Struggling to understand conversations can lead to frustration, low confidence, and difficulty making friends.

The earlier hearing issues are identified, the easier it is to provide the right support and intervention.

How to Recognise Hearing Problems in Children

Hearing loss isn’t always obvious, especially if it develops gradually. As parents, you might notice small changes over time that could indicate an issue. Some of the common signs to look out for include:

• Delayed speech development or difficulty pronouncing words correctly

• Inconsistent responses to sounds or voices

• Struggling to follow instructions

• Speaking louder than usual or turning up the TV volume

• Frequent ear infections, which can cause temporary hearing loss

• Becoming frustrated in noisy environments

• Appearing inattentive or distracted in class

• Avoiding social situations or appearing withdrawn

If any of these signs sound familiar, it’s worth getting your child’s hearing tested to rule out any underlying problems.

What Happens During a Children's Hearing Test?

We understand that children need a different approach to hearing tests than adults. Our clinics in Sheffield and Dore offer a calm, friendly environment where we tailor the assessment to suit your child’s age and ability.

A full hearing assessment typically takes 90 minutes and costs £185. During the appointment, we’ll carry out several tests to build a clear picture of your child’s hearing.

Consultation

We’ll start with a discussion about your child’s health and development, as well as any concerns you have about their hearing or speech.

Tympanometry

This test checks how well the eardrum is moving and whether there’s a blockage or fluid behind it. It’s particularly useful for identifying glue ear, which is common in young children.

Play Audiometry

For younger children, we turn the hearing test into a game. They might be asked to place a toy in a box when they hear a sound, making it an easy and engaging way to assess their hearing.

Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)

This measures the response of the inner ear and is often used for babies and toddlers who may not be able to cooperate with other types of hearing tests.

Pure Tone Audiometry

For older children, this test uses different tones played through headphones. The child indicates when they hear the sound, allowing us to assess their ability to hear different frequencies.

Earwax Removal (if necessary)

Sometimes, a build-up of earwax can contribute to hearing problems. If needed, we can carry out a gentle and safe removal.

Next Steps After the Assessment

Once we’ve completed the tests, we’ll discuss the results with you and recommend the best course of action.

If hearing loss is detected, we can provide guidance on:

• Hearing aids for children – We offer a range of hearing aids designed specifically for younger users.

• Referrals to an ENT specialist – If medical treatment is needed, we can arrange a referral to the right specialist.

• Ongoing monitoring – Some conditions, such as glue ear, may resolve on their own, in which case we can continue to monitor your child’s hearing over time.

Whatever the outcome, our focus is on providing clear, practical advice to ensure your child receives the best possible care.

Why Choose Peter Byrom Audiology?

We are an independent audiology clinic, which means we have the freedom to offer personalised care and independent advice without being tied to any single manufacturer. We take the time to understand your concerns and recommend the best solutions based on your child’s specific needs.

• Our team has extensive experience in paediatric audiology

• We offer appointments at both our Sheffield and Dore clinics

• We provide a full range of services, from hearing tests to earwax removal and tinnitus support

You can find out more about our team here.

Book a Hearing Test for Your Child

If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing, the best step is to book an assessment. Early detection can make all the difference to their development and learning.

Appointments are available at both our Sheffield and Dore clinics.

• Call us on 0114 419 1800

• Book online via our contact page

If you’d like more information on hearing health, take a look at our latest blog posts.

Addressing hearing concerns early means your child can continue to learn, engage, and thrive without unnecessary barriers. If you’re unsure whether they need a test, get in touch - we’re happy to talk it through with you!

Peter and Nicole - Your Listening Experts