If your child’s teacher has raised concerns about their listening, or you’ve noticed your child saying “what?” more than usual, a hearing test is often the recommended first step. For many South African parents, the idea of a children’s hearing test can feel daunting — but the process is straightforward, non-invasive, and gives you clear answers.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know before booking a paediatric audiology appointment in Johannesburg or Randburg.
Why Hearing Tests Matter for Children
Hearing is closely tied to speech and language development. A child who cannot hear clearly may struggle to follow instructions in the classroom, learn new words at the expected pace, articulate sounds correctly, or develop social communication skills.
Research consistently shows that undetected hearing loss in children contributes to delayed speech milestones, reading difficulties, and academic challenges. Early identification — ideally before age three — dramatically improves outcomes.
In South Africa, routine newborn hearing screening is not yet universal in all healthcare settings, which means some children reach school age without a formal hearing assessment. A paediatric audiologist can assess children at any age.
Signs Your Child May Need a Hearing Test
Common signs that parents notice before booking a children’s hearing assessment include: not responding when called by name; turning the TV volume up unusually high; frequently asking people to repeat themselves; delayed speech or limited vocabulary for their age; mispronouncing words in a way that seems inconsistent with typical errors; seeming inattentive in class or at home; or complaints of ear pain, discharge, or pressure.
These signs do not automatically mean your child has hearing loss, but they are always worth investigating. An audiologist can rule out hearing as a contributing factor — or confirm it and recommend appropriate support.
What Happens During a Children’s Hearing Test?
At Speak Clearly in Randburg, our audiologist conducts a comprehensive hearing evaluation tailored to your child’s age and developmental stage. Here is what the appointment typically involves.
1. Case History
The audiologist will start by asking about your child’s health history, including pregnancy and birth details, any ear infections, previous hearing assessments, and family history of hearing difficulties. This context shapes the rest of the evaluation.
2. Otoscopy (Ear Canal Check)
Using a handheld light called an otoscope, the audiologist examines the ear canal and eardrum. This quick, non-invasive step checks for blockages, wax build-up, fluid behind the eardrum, or signs of infection.
3. Tympanometry (Middle Ear Test)
A small soft probe is placed just inside the ear canal. It measures how well the eardrum and middle ear system are functioning. This test identifies issues like glue ear (otitis media with effusion), which is very common in children and can cause temporary hearing difficulties.
4. Pure-Tone Audiometry (Listening for Tones)
For children old enough to participate (typically from age three upwards), the audiologist uses headphones or speakers to play tones at different pitches and volumes. Your child is asked to respond when they hear a sound — usually by pressing a button, raising a hand, or placing a toy in a bucket.
For younger toddlers, visual reinforcement audiometry or play audiometry are used instead — child-friendly methods that make the test feel like a game.
5. Speech Perception Testing (Where Appropriate)
In some cases, the audiologist will also assess how well your child hears and understands speech at different volume levels. This gives a fuller picture of how hearing loss, if present, is affecting real-life communication.
How Long Does a Children’s Hearing Test Take?
A comprehensive paediatric audiology assessment typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour. Younger children or those with complex presentations may take a little longer. The appointment is never rushed — the audiologist takes the time needed for accurate results.
Is a Children’s Hearing Test Painful?
No. All tests used in paediatric audiology are non-invasive and designed to be child-friendly. There are no injections, no discomfort, and no sedation required for standard hearing assessments. Most children find the process interesting rather than frightening.
Our audiologist is experienced in working with children from infancy through to adolescence, and creates a calm, reassuring environment from the moment your child arrives.
What Happens After the Hearing Test?
At the end of the appointment, the audiologist will explain the results clearly and in plain language. If hearing is normal, no concerns are identified — and if speech delays are still present, a speech therapy assessment may be recommended as the next step. If temporary hearing loss is identified (such as glue ear), monitoring or referral to an ENT specialist may be advised. If a permanent hearing loss is found, the audiologist will explain the degree and type of loss, discuss hearing aid options where appropriate, and refer to the relevant support services.
You will leave with a clear understanding of the next steps, not just a piece of paper with numbers on it.
How to Prepare Your Child for a Hearing Test
Let your child know in advance what will happen, keeping the explanation simple and positive. Bring a comfort toy or snack for younger children. Arrive with ears free from excessive wax if possible — if your child has had a recent ear infection, let the audiologist know when booking. Bring any relevant medical history, including records of ear infections or previous hearing tests.
Children’s Audiology in Randburg, Johannesburg
Speak Clearly is a speech therapy and audiology practice based in Randburg, Johannesburg. Our paediatric audiologist provides comprehensive hearing assessments for children from newborn through to adolescence. We see children from across Johannesburg, including Randburg, Sandton, Northcliff, Roodepoort, and surrounds.
Book a paediatric audiology appointment or call us to find out more about what to expect at your child’s hearing assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions: Children’s Hearing Tests in South Africa
At what age should my child have a hearing test?
Ideally, children should be screened at birth (newborn hearing screening), again at school entry, and whenever there are concerns about hearing, speech development, or behaviour. There is no age too early or too late to have your child’s hearing assessed.
Can a toddler be tested if they cannot follow instructions?
Yes. Audiologists use age-appropriate techniques for infants and toddlers, including visual reinforcement audiometry and play audiometry. These methods are specifically designed to test hearing in children who cannot yet complete traditional instruction-based tests.
What is glue ear and does it affect hearing?
Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is a build-up of sticky fluid in the middle ear, often following a cold or ear infection. It is the most common cause of temporary hearing loss in children under ten. Symptoms include muffled hearing, inattentiveness, and speech difficulties. It often resolves on its own but should be monitored by an audiologist or ENT specialist.
How is a children’s hearing test different from an adult test?
The underlying measurements are similar, but the techniques are adapted for children. Audiologists use games, visual rewards, and child-friendly equipment to keep children engaged and get accurate results without requiring the sustained attention that adult tests demand.
Will my child need hearing aids?
Not necessarily. The outcome of a hearing test depends on what is found. Many children with temporary hearing difficulties (like glue ear) do not require hearing aids. If a permanent hearing loss is identified, the audiologist will discuss all available options and guide you through the process step by step.
Does hearing loss cause speech delay?
It can. Children learn to speak by hearing the sounds around them. If a child has reduced hearing — even a mild or fluctuating loss — it can impact their ability to develop vocabulary, articulate sounds clearly, and understand spoken language. Early identification and support can significantly reduce the long-term impact on speech and language development.
Where can I get a hearing test for my child in Johannesburg?
Speak Clearly offers paediatric audiology assessments in Randburg, Johannesburg. You can book an appointment online or contact us directly. We see children of all ages and welcome referrals from schools, paediatricians, and speech therapists.