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Hearing assessments

Early diagnosis of hearing loss is a critical factor for the development of communication, language and learning skills in a child’s early childhood years.

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Children with hearing loss can have better communication, language and learning skills by the time they start school when:

Hearing test results are displayed on a graph called an audiogram. The results show what your child can hear and help the audiologist decide whether your child needs amplification.

Hearing tests for newborn babies

All newborn babies can be screened for hearing loss in their first few weeks of life through the Victorian Infant Hearing Screening Program.

The test usually happens at the mother’s bedside in the hospital or at an outpatient appointment. Special equipment plays sounds into your baby’s ears and records how they respond to them. The screen is quick and painless – most babies are asleep when they‘re tested.

If your baby does not detect certain sounds, they will be referred to an audiologist for further assessment.

Hearing tests for infants, toddlers and preschoolers

Speak to your child’s maternal child and health nurse or doctor if you have concerns about their communication or listening development.

They can refer you to an audiologist to test your child’s hearing. Depending on the age of your child, an audiologist will carry out either:

After assessment

If the audiologist determines that your child requires further support, they will arrange specialist appointments for you and your child, with for example, a speech pathologist or an early childhood intervention support worker.

The main goal is to give your child a way to communicate with you and develop language.

Communication and language

If your child is deaf or hard of hearing, there are different ways they may communicate:

Your child’s needs are unique and may change over time. The right communication choice is the one that works best for your family and your child.

Early intervention professionals can talk to you about different communication options. You can also speak to other families of deaf children, join early childhood playgroups for deaf children and watch how your child prefers to communicate.

Listening devices

Deaf and hard of hearing children use listening devices to help them hear spoken language and environmental sounds. These include hearing aids, cochlear implants and personal wireless devices.

All children and young people under 26 years of age are provided with free listening devices and assessments with Hearing Australia.

Support for parents

Hearing Australia provides information sessions for families, educators and community groups.

Aussie Deaf Kids is an online resource dedicated to supporting families of children who are deaf or hard of hearing through a supportive online community.

Our parent health section has tips on looking after your health and wellbeing.

You can also find advocacy support from

Education & training

Updated 26 March 2026

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