Worried About Your Child’s Hearing?
Book an easy, accurate, and anxiety-free child hearing test
Why Early Hearing Testing for Your Child Matters
In Australia, newborn babies are eligible for a free, universal hearing screening test shortly after birth.
However, this doesn’t mean they won’t develop some form of hearing deficiency later in development. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, and it can significantly impact a child’s development, speaking proficiency, and performance at school.
Whether you’ve noticed clear signs of hearing difficulties or you simply want peace of mind, early detection is critical.
The sooner hearing loss is identified, the sooner your child can receive the support they need to develop language, social skills, and confidence.
Ariana Rutgers
Super child-friendly and accommodating! Our daughter gets very anxious with medical appointments, but the team at Shire Hearing Clinic went above and beyond – even coming outside when she didn’t want to go in.
Signs Your Child May Have Hearing Difficulties
You know your child best. If something feels off, trust your instincts. Here are some common signs that warrant a hearing test:
For Babies and Toddlers
- Doesn't startle at loud noises
- Doesn't turn toward sounds or voices by 6 months
- Isn't babbling or making sounds by 12 months
- Doesn't respond to their name
- Seems to ignore you when you're speaking
For Preschool and School-Age Children
- Frequently asks "what?" or needs things repeated
- Turns the TV volume up louder than others
- Speaks more loudly than necessary
- Has unclear speech or delayed language development
- Struggles to follow instructions, especially in noisy environments
- Seems inattentive or distracted (sometimes misdiagnosed as behavioral issues)
- Has difficulty with learning or appears to be falling behind at school
For Teenagers
- Complains of ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Frequently uses headphones at high volume
- Has trouble following conversations in groups
- Seems withdrawn or struggles socially
If any of these sound familiar, a hearing test can give you clarity and a path forward.
How Pediatric Hearing Tests Work at Different Ages
We tailor our testing approach to your child’s age and developmental stage.
Here’s what to expect:
Children from 18 Months
We use Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VRA), a play-based method that makes testing feel like a game. We present sounds through a speaker, and when your child responds (by turning, pointing, or engaging with a toy), we reward them with fun visuals like puppets or animated toys.
This tests four key sound frequencies and establishes baseline screening levels, showing us whether your child has adequate hearing for speech and language development.
If more detailed results are needed, we’ll recommend retesting when they’re 3.5 years or older for headphone-based diagnostics.
Children from 3.5 Years
At this age, most children can wear headphones, allowing us to conduct Play Audiometry, a more precise test that gives us ear-specific results. We use interactive play
(like dropping blocks or completing tasks when they hear sounds) to keep them engaged while gathering
accurate data.
We also perform tympanometry to check for middle ear issues like fluid buildup or infections, which are common
in young children and can temporarily affect hearing.
Teenagers
If any of these sound familiar, a hearing test can give you clarity and a path forward.
What Happens If Hearing Loss in My Child Is Detected?
If we find that your child has hearing loss, we’ll explain the type and degree of loss and what it means for their development. From there, we’ll guide you through the next steps, which may include:
Medical Referral
If the hearing loss is caused by a treatable medical condition (like fluid buildup, ear infection, or structural issues), we’ll refer you to an ENT specialist or your GP for treatment.
Monitoring
For mild or temporary hearing loss, we may recommend monitoring your child’s hearing over time to see if it resolves on its own (common with fluid-related issues).
Further Specialised Testing
Understand Your Child's Hearing in 4 Simple Steps
Step 1
Book an Appointment
Call us or book online at a time that works for your family.
Step 2
We Listen to Your Concerns
We’ll discuss what you’ve noticed about your child’s hearing and their medical history to understand their unique situation.
Step 3
We Test Your Child's Hearing
Using age-appropriate, play-based methods, we’ll assess their hearing in a comfortable, child-friendly environment. Everything is painless and non-invasive.
Step 4
You Get Clear Answers
We’ll explain the results in plain language and provide a detailed report to your GP, pediatrician, and any other specialists you’d like involved.
Why Families Across the Shire Trust Us With Their Hearing
We’re not just another hearing clinic. Here’s what makes Shire Hearing different.
- Count on Us for Hassle-Free SupportYour hearing aids come with full servicing during the warranty period. Need a quick clean or adjustment? Just drop in. No appointment, no fuss, no waiting around.
- Receive Care That's Tailored to Your Unique NeedsYour hearing is as unique as you are. We create personalised solutions based on your lifestyle, preferences, and hearing profile.
- Get Honest, Unbiased RecommendationsWe're independent, family-owned, so we're free to recommend what's truly best for you. Not what earns us the highest commission.
- Trusted by the Doctors Who Know BestLocal GPs refer patients to us because they know we prioritise proper care and genuine results over quick sales.
- You Take Your Time. No Rushed AppointmentsOur appointments are longer because you deserve time to ask questions, understand your options, and feel confident in your decisions.
- You're Family, Not Just a CustomerWe treat every client like family and build lifelong relationships. Our friendly, compassionate team is here for you, from your first visit to decades of care.
Hear it for yourself
“My introduction to Shire Hearing was with my mother who lives in Cronulla, I live in Wollongong. Rachel was very caring with my mother who will be 99 on Anzac Day 2020.
My experience with hearing aids started when I mentioned my tinnitus, during the conversation I realised Rachel was very knowledgeable and she told me when I started to lose my hearing, wearing hearing aids would help. They did!”
We had a lovely experience from booking to assessment. The clinic is accessible and they had loads of availability at the Engadine location. The assessor was gentle and relaxed and created a calm and fun environment for our child. 5 stars 🌟
Honestly the most amazing place to get your hearing tests done ✅. I’ve never felt more welcomed & safe before & highly highly recommend the lovely Krystal @ Engadine Clinic. Such great service and knowledge , I couldn’t recommend enough. Please choose Shire hearing Engadine for your next appointment ❤️.
What a great and calm experience! Krystal connected straight away with my toddler son, She took the time to play and engage with my son other than just for testing.
Usually my son is hard to get to cooperate with visual assessments of his ears, but he was happy and comfortable with Krystal.
Would highly recommend Shire Hearing Engadine!
Krystal at Shire Hearing was fantastic with our two neurodiverse boys. She had them cooperating, engaged and interested. And she picked up a previously unknown issue so we can look into it further. Fantastic experience and service!
They are amazing. Any issue with hearing aids they fix for free. Even if it’s just changing the filters. When I was choosing my new hearing aids they lent programmable ones to try and compare. I got the top ones in the end. The programs on the App are also designed just for me which helps adjusting in noisy environments.
Proudly Serving the Sutherland Shire Community
Shire Hearing has two convenient locations in Cronulla and Engadine, making expert hearing care accessible right here in the Shire community.
Cronulla Clinic
- Shop 10/38-40 Croydon Street, Cronulla NSW 2230, Australia
- (02) 9544 4466
- Monday to Friday (9AM - 5PM)
Engadine Clinic
- Shop 6/10 Waratah Rd, Engadine NSW 2233, Australia
- (02) 9520 4774
- Monday to Friday (9AM - 5PM)
FAQs
All babies in Australia receive a newborn hearing screening shortly after birth. If your child passed that screening but you have concerns, we can test children from 18 months onward. If you’re unsure whether your child needs testing, give us a call and we’ll help you decide.
Typically 45 minutes to an hour, depending on your child’s age and cooperation level. We never rush—if your child needs breaks, we’ll take them.
Not at all. For younger children, we use play-based testing methods that keep them engaged and moving. For older children and teens, testing is more structured, but it’s still relatively short and we build in breaks as needed.
No. The entire process is painless and non-invasive. Your child might wear headphones or have a small probe placed gently in their ear for a few seconds, but nothing hurts.
We’re experienced in working with children who are anxious, shy, or simply not ready to participate. We’ll work at your child’s pace, and if necessary, we can reschedule for another time when they might be more comfortable.
Absolutely. We encourage parents to stay in the room during testing. Your presence often helps your child feel more secure.
Frequent ear infections can temporarily affect hearing and are very common in young children. We’ll perform tympanometry to check for fluid buildup or middle ear issues and recommend medical treatment if needed. We may also suggest a follow-up test after any infections have been treated to see if hearing has improved.
Testing fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the assessment. We’ll provide pricing information when you book. In some cases, children may be eligible for government-funded services. We can help you explore your options.
Bring your child’s Medicare card, any previous hearing test results (if available), and a list of any medications they’re taking. If your child has a favorite toy or comfort item, feel free to bring that too. We’ll handle the rest.
Yes. We provide a full written report of the test results and can send it to your GP, pediatrician, school, or any other relevant parties with your permission.
It depends on the type. Conductive hearing loss (from fluid or infections) is usually temporary. Sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear or nerve damage) is typically permanent and can be caused by genetics, birth complications, or infections. We’ll discuss the likely cause and permanence after testing.
Very accurate when done by experienced pediatric audiologists using age-appropriate methods. If more detailed results are needed, we can retest as your child grows.
Sometimes, yes. Conditions like Down syndrome, genetic syndromes, or chronic infections can be connected. If suspected, we’ll recommend further medical evaluation.
Depends on severity. Hearing aids for mild to severe loss; cochlear implants for severe to profound loss when aids aren’t effective. We’ll explain your options and guide you through the process.
Start with short wear times and gradually increase. Make it routine, celebrate progress, and ensure proper fit. Most children adjust within weeks once they notice the difference.
Yes. With early detection and proper support, children with hearing loss thrive in all areas of life. Early intervention is key, and we’re here to help.
Give Your Child the Hearing Support They Deserve
If you’ve noticed signs of hearing difficulties, or you simply want peace of mind, we’re here to help. We’ll make the process as comfortable as possible for both you and your child.