If you have concerns about your child's hearing at any time, take your child for an assessment (see What are the signs of a hearing problem?)
Your child should receive a newborn hearing screening test and a hearing test at 4 years old as part of the B4school check
if your child does have a hearing problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development

Newborn hearing screening

Your child's hearing will be screened at birth as part of the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Early Intervention Programme. If your baby's hearing has not been screened, talk to your midwife or doctor so that the screening can be arranged. For more information about the programme and why you should have your baby screened, see:

Your baby's hearing screening - a Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education pamphlet

Newborn hearing screening results

What if my baby is referred to an audiologist?

If your baby's hearing screening shows that a further check is needed, your baby will be referred to a hearing specialist (audiologist). For more information about this referral and what help is available if your child is diagnosed with a hearing loss, see:

Newborn hearing screening: referral to an audiologist

B4School Hearing check

Your child's hearing is screened as part of the B4 School Check at around age 4 years. This is usually done by vision and hearing technicians.

The results of this screening will be sent to you in the mail or will come home with your child. The information you receive explains the results of the screening and how you can have your child further assessed if needed.

If your child doesn't have their hearing screened at four, it's important they have this screening done in their first year at school. This screening picks up most hearing problems.

If your child missed their screening, contact your child's school to make sure the vision hearing technician screens your child on their next visit.

What are the signs of a hearing problem?

· There are hearing checklists of things to look for by age group in your baby’s Well Child Tamariki Ora Health Book.

· For babies, there is a checklist at the National Screening Unit website - Can your baby hear? (at right).

· If your child has speech or language difficulties, has trouble following instructions, or is easily frustrated or distracted they may have a hearing problem. These symptoms may vary from time to time

· You can arrange for a full hearing assessment for your child at the audiology department of your local hospital.

· If you notice a discharge from your child's ear, you should take them to see your family doctor. Some areas have mobile children's ear clinics which visit schools and early childhood education centres. If your area has a mobile clinic, you could also talk to the ear nurse specialists who staff these. They are specially trained to diagnose, treat, monitor and refer for children with middle ear problems.

A smelly discharge from your child's ear could indicate a serious health problem. You should visit your family doctor immediately if you notice this.

· If your child does have a hearing problem, finding it early is good for their learning and development.

What will it cost if my child has a hearing problem?

· You will not have to pay to have your child's hearing assessed at the hospital audiology clinic. You may need a referral for your child from your family doctor and there may be a wait before your child is seen. There is likely to be a charge if you visit a local private audiologist.

· Support for children with hearing loss or auditory processing disorders is available free of charge. Hearing aids, cochlear implants and other devices for children are provided free.

Where to go for more information

Kidshealth fact sheets

· Ears: Ear infections - brief version

· Ears: Ear infections - detailed version

· Ears: Glue ear - brief version

· Ears: Glue ear - detailed version

· Grommets (tympanostomy or ventilation tubes)

NSU (National Screening Unit) www.nsu.govt.nz

· The NSU website provides information about the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Programme, including a checklist Can your baby hear?

Acknowledgements: adapted from Kidshealth factsheets: Hearing and vision checks for babies; Hearing and vision checks for preschool children; Hearing problems in children. The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2011