If your child’s doctor, teacher, or speech therapist has mentioned a paediatric audiologist — or if you are worried about your child’s hearing or listening behaviour — this guide explains what a paediatric audiologist does, when to see one, and what to expect during an assessment in Johannesburg or Randburg.
What Is a Paediatric Audiologist?
A paediatric audiologist is a healthcare professional who specialises in diagnosing and managing hearing disorders in children — from newborns through to teenagers. Unlike a general audiologist who sees adults and children, a paediatric audiologist has specific training in child anatomy, child behaviour, and the development of auditory pathways in young patients.
This matters because a child’s ear and auditory processing system works differently from an adult’s, and the tests, equipment, and approach used must be adapted accordingly. A child who cannot yet follow verbal instructions requires a completely different testing approach than an adult.
What Does a Paediatric Audiologist Do?
Paediatric audiologists assess, diagnose, and manage a wide range of hearing and listening conditions in children, including:
- Sensorineural hearing loss — damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve, often present from birth
- Conductive hearing loss — related to the outer or middle ear, often caused by fluid or infection
- Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) — very common in young children, causes temporary hearing loss
- Auditory processing disorder (APD) — the child hears sound but struggles to process and interpret it correctly
- Unilateral hearing loss — hearing loss in one ear only, which can affect learning and listening in noise
Beyond diagnosis, a paediatric audiologist may also:
- Fit and programme hearing aids for children
- Counsel families on hearing management strategies at home and school
- Liaise with speech therapists, ENT specialists, and teachers
- Provide ongoing monitoring as the child grows
When Should You See a Paediatric Audiologist?
Many parents wait too long before seeking an audiology assessment. Hearing loss that goes undetected in early childhood can significantly affect language development, school performance, and social skills — often in ways that are mistaken for learning difficulties or behavioural issues.
Consider booking an assessment if your child:
- Did not pass the newborn hearing screening test
- Has delayed speech or limited vocabulary for their age
- Often asks you to repeat yourself or misunderstands instructions
- Turns the television up louder than seems necessary
- Is easily distracted in noisy environments or classrooms
- Has had frequent ear infections or fluid behind the eardrums
- Responds inconsistently when their name is called
- Has a teacher or speech therapist expressing concern about their listening skills
You do not need to wait for a formal referral. If something feels off about your child’s hearing, an assessment is always the right call. Early identification gives children the best possible start.
Paediatric Audiologist vs ENT: What Is the Difference?
An ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) is a medical doctor who assesses and treats the physical structures of the ear — including infections, perforated eardrums, fluid buildup, and structural abnormalities. An ENT may recommend grommets, surgery, or medical treatment.
A paediatric audiologist tests hearing function specifically — how well the child actually hears, at what frequencies, and at what volume levels. They also assess auditory processing and may fit hearing devices.
In many cases, a child benefits from seeing both. An ENT addresses the medical cause; the audiologist assesses functional hearing and manages any ongoing hearing rehabilitation. Speak Clearly works alongside ENT specialists when referrals are necessary.
What Happens During a Paediatric Hearing Assessment?
The approach depends on the child’s age and ability to co-operate. At Speak Clearly in Randburg, our audiologist adapts the assessment to suit the child.
For infants and babies: Automated ABR (auditory brainstem response) or OAE (otoacoustic emissions) testing — both are non-invasive and do not require the child to do anything actively.
For toddlers and young children: Play audiometry, where children respond to sounds through a play-based activity like placing a peg in a board. The approach is gentle and designed to be fun.
For older children: Standard pure-tone audiometry in a sound booth, similar to what adults experience, along with speech perception testing.
A tympanogram (middle ear assessment) is usually included to check for fluid, pressure problems, or glue ear. The full assessment typically takes between 45 minutes and one hour.
Finding a Paediatric Audiologist in Johannesburg or Randburg
Speak Clearly is based in Randburg, Johannesburg, and offers paediatric audiology assessments for children of all ages. Our audiologist works closely with our speech therapy team, which means children who need both services can be assessed and managed in one practice.
We see children from across the greater Johannesburg area, including Randburg, Sandton, Fourways, Roodepoort, and surrounding suburbs.
If you are concerned about your child’s hearing or listening, do not wait. Early assessment makes a meaningful difference.
Book a paediatric hearing assessment at Speak Clearly Randburg →