Ears and hearing

Ears and hearing

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly version

All babies are checked at birth to see that all is well - some of your baby's health checks are called ‘screening'. Screening includes checking for hearing and some vision problems. If you have concerns about your baby's vision or hearing at any time, take your baby for an assessment.

Your child's hearing and vision will be discussed with you at various Well Child checks before your child turns four years of age. If your child does have a hearing or vision problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development.

Screening for some vision problems for your child should occur at around 11 or 12 years of age. If you have concerns about your child's vision or hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment.

Ear infections are very common in young children. They can cause pain, and often fever. Antibiotics are not always needed. Pain relief is important.

This information about ear infections includes diagrams and additional sections to the brief version above.

With glue ear there is fluid in the space behind the ear drum (middle ear). The main symptom of glue ear is hearing difficulty. Hearing loss for prolonged periods of time during the early years may affect speech and language development.

Detailed information about glue ear with additional sections to the brief version above.

Grommets are tiny plastic tubes inserted into your child's ear drum in a short operation. Grommets may be recommended if your child has glue ear that won't clear up, or frequent ear infections.

If your child has speech or language difficulties; has trouble following instructions; is easily distracted; or has difficulty paying attention in class, they may have a hearing problem. If you have concerns about your child's hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment.