What if I suspect my child has a hearing loss?

Children can develop problems with hearing during their early years and, as a parent, you may be one of the first to suspect that something is wrong.

Most cases of hearing loss in infancy are due to temporary conditions such as glue ear which can affect up to 80% of all pre-school children.

Symptoms of hearing loss in children are easily mistaken, but signs can be that the child:

• doesn't react when called
• appears inattentive or prone to daydreaming
• listens to the TV at high volumes
• Talks too loudly
• Mispronounces words
• Becomes unsettled at school
• Is often tired, grumpy, frustrated or over-active

If you are concerned about your child's hearing, speak to your family doctor immediately and ask for your child to be referred to the local children's audiology service for an assessment.