What is a hearing screen?

A hearing screen is a quick check to make sure your child can hear speech and everyday sounds clearly. It is not a full hearing test. It helps identify children who may need a closer look at their hearing.

What happens during the screening in school?

Your child will sit in a quiet room with a public health assistant and a member of school staff.  They will be given soft headphones to wear which will play a series of beeps at different volumes. Your child will be asked to raise their hand when they hear a sound. The screening takes around three to five minutes and is safe and painless.

Your child will pass the screening if they respond well to the sounds

Many children don’t pass the first screen because of temporary issues, for example glue ear or congestion. This does not mean your child has permanent hearing difficulties. Your child will have the screening repeated in twelve to fourteen weeks. If they don’t pass the repeat test, they will be referred to audiology for further checks.

Signs that your child may not be hearing well

• Not responding when called.
• Asking for things to be repeated.
• Watching faces and lips closely.
• Finding it hard to follow instructions.
• Misunderstanding or ignoring instructions.
• Needing help from friends to understand what has been said.
• Becoming easily frustrated or tired.
• Appearing inattentive or daydreamy.
• Watching others before joining in.
• Talking too loudly or too softly.
• Playing alone or not joining group activities.

Possible causes of temporary hearing loss

Glue ear, which is fluid behind the eardrum. Glue ear is very common and can cause temporary hearing loss that comes and goes. A child with mild hearing loss may miss up to fifty per cent of what is said in the classroom. Glue ear is one of the most common causes of hearing problems in young children. Mild hearing loss can affect learning and language if it continues over time.

Other causes include ear infections or general illness but sometimes the cause is unknown.