Children’s Disclaimer: Concerns about children’s hearing development should always be assessed by a qualified paediatric audiologist or GP.
Most parents know their child better than anyone else. When something feels off — when a child does not seem to respond the way other children do, or when communication feels harder than it should — that instinct deserves to be taken seriously.
Hearing loss in children is more common than many families realise. According to Hearing Australia, around one in every thousand babies is born with a significant hearing loss, and many more develop hearing difficulties in early childhood due to ear infections, illness, or other factors.
The earlier a hearing difficulty is identified, the more options a family has.
Why Early Identification Matters
The first few years of life are a critical window for language and speech development. Children learn to speak largely by hearing the sounds around them — conversations, stories, music, and the natural noise of family life.
When hearing is reduced, even partially, that input is disrupted. Research into early identification of hearing loss, including work by Yoshinaga-Itano and colleagues, has found associations between earlier identification and better language development outcomes, though individual results are influenced by many factors including degree of hearing loss, family engagement, and the type of intervention provided.
This does not mean a later diagnosis cannot lead to good outcomes — it can. But acting on early signs matters.
Signs in Babies (0–12 Months)
Newborns in Queensland are offered a routine newborn hearing screening. A clear result from that screen is reassuring, but it does not cover every type of hearing loss, and some hearing difficulties develop after birth.
Signs in babies that may be worth discussing with your GP or audiologist include:
- Does not startle at sudden loud sounds (a door slamming, a dog barking)
- Does not turn toward the source of voices or familiar sounds by around 4–6 months
- Does not babble or make vocal sounds by 6 months
- Does not respond to their name being called by 9–12 months
- Seems more settled in noisy environments than you would expect
Every child develops at their own pace, and a single sign does not confirm a hearing difficulty. However, if you have noticed a pattern across several of these signs, it is worth raising with a health professional.
Signs in Toddlers (1–3 Years)
Children in this age group are developing language rapidly. Toddlers who are hearing well typically understand far more than they can say — they follow simple instructions, point to familiar objects when named, and begin putting words together.
Signs that may be worth investigating in toddlers include:
- Speech that is significantly behind other children of the same age
- Difficulty following simple instructions without visual cues or gestures
- Frequently saying “what?” or “huh?” or appearing not to hear when spoken to from another room
- Watching others carefully before responding to group instructions, as though following their lead
- Responding inconsistently to sounds — sometimes seeming to hear well, sometimes not
Inconsistent responses are common in children with fluctuating hearing loss caused by middle ear fluid (known as glue ear or otitis media with effusion). This is a very common childhood condition and is treatable.
Signs in School-Age Children (4+ Years)
By school age, some hearing difficulties that were not identified earlier become more apparent in the structured environment of a classroom.
Signs in school-age children include:
- Difficulty following classroom instruction or appearing confused when others are not
- Increasing the TV volume well beyond what other family members find comfortable
- Asking for repetition frequently in conversation
- Mishearing words in a way that seems more than typical (“What?” for words that are easy to hear)
- Reduced confidence in group conversations or withdrawal from noisy social situations
- Teacher feedback noting that a child seems inattentive or “off with the fairies,” particularly in group listening situations
- Difficulty with reading or phonics that does not improve with standard support (hearing plays a role in learning to connect sounds with letters)
It is worth noting that some of these signs overlap with other conditions, including attention difficulties. A hearing assessment can help rule out hearing as a contributing factor.
The Difference Between a School Hearing Check and a Full Assessment
Many Queensland schools conduct brief hearing screenings — typically a pass/fail check at a few frequencies. These screens serve an important function, but they are not the same as a comprehensive audiological assessment.
A full hearing assessment with an audiologist includes:
- Testing across a wider range of frequencies
- Assessment of the middle ear (which can identify fluid or pressure issues)
- Age-appropriate testing methods suited to your child
- A detailed explanation of results and what they mean
A school check that returns a “pass” result does not always mean hearing is typical across all frequencies, and it does not assess middle ear function. If you have ongoing concerns, it is reasonable to request a full assessment even after a school screen.
Glue Ear: The Most Common Childhood Hearing Difficulty
Otitis media with effusion — commonly called glue ear — is a build-up of fluid in the middle ear that reduces how well sound travels to the inner ear. It is very common in young children, particularly those who have had repeated ear infections.
Glue ear can cause hearing to fluctuate, which is why some children seem to hear well on some days and not others. It often resolves on its own, but persistent cases may benefit from medical review.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience significantly higher rates of middle ear disease than the general population, as documented by the Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. Early and regular hearing checks are particularly important for these children.
Accessing Paediatric Audiology in Central Queensland
CQ Audiology provides children’s hearing assessments across Rockhampton, Gladstone, Yeppoon, and Emerald. Referrals can come from your GP, a paediatrician, a speech pathologist, or a school, but you can also contact us directly to discuss your concerns and arrange an assessment.
If a hearing difficulty is identified, we can discuss the next steps with you — whether that involves monitoring, referral, or further support — in plain language, without pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My baby passed the newborn hearing screen. Does that mean their hearing is fine? A clear result on a newborn hearing screen is a good sign, but it does not rule out all types of hearing loss, and some hearing difficulties develop after birth — particularly those related to middle ear conditions. If you notice signs of hearing difficulty at any stage of your child’s development, it is worth discussing with your GP or an audiologist.
Q: How do I know if my child’s speech delay is related to hearing? A hearing assessment is often one of the first investigations recommended when a child has speech delay, because hearing and speech development are closely linked. An audiologist can check hearing, and a speech pathologist can assess speech and language separately. Both types of assessment may be relevant, and your GP can help with referrals.
Q: My child’s teacher says they seem inattentive. Could it be hearing? Hearing difficulties can sometimes present as inattention, particularly in noisy classroom environments. A full hearing assessment can help rule out hearing as a factor. If hearing is found to be typical, other assessments may then be appropriate.
Q: Is a GP referral needed to see a paediatric audiologist? A referral is not always required, but it can help with coordination of care and may be relevant for some funding pathways. Contact CQ Audiology directly if you are unsure — we are happy to talk through the process with you.