Hearing loss can affect children of any age, and early detection is important for speech, learning, and social development.

At Bellbird Hearing, we provide comprehensive children’s hearing tests in a calm, friendly, and child-focused environment for children aged 3 years and over.

If you are looking for a children’s hearing test in Christchurch or Timaru, our experienced audiologists can assess your child’s hearing and provide clear guidance on the next steps if needed.

A children’s hearing assessment is recommended if:

• You, your preschool, or school have concerns about hearing
• There are delays in speech or language development
• Your child has ongoing middle ear problems (such as glue ear)
• There is a family history of childhood hearing loss
• Your child has medical risk factors for hearing loss
• You feel something “isn’t quite right” with their hearing

Early testing is important, as hearing issues can impact learning and communication development.

We use age-appropriate testing methods depending on your child’s age and development.

Play audiometry (ages 3–4 years)

For younger children, we use play audiometry, which turns the hearing test into a simple game.

Your child will:

• Wear headphones
• Listen for sounds
• Complete a fun activity (such as placing a peg in a board) when they hear a sound 
  

This helps keep the test engaging and comfortable while still providing accurate results.

Speech testing

We also assess how your child understands speech using pictures (for example: duck, ball). Your child points to the correct picture in response to spoken words.

School-aged children

Once children are older, hearing testing becomes more like an adult hearing test, where they:

• Press a button when they hear a sound
• Repeat spoken words
• Complete more detailed hearing assessments if needed 
  

Middle ear testing

At all ages, we perform tympanometry to assess how the middle ear is working. This helps identify:

• Fluid in the middle ear (commonly glue ear)
• Eardrum function
• Whether grommets are working properly 
  

You can help your child feel comfortable by:

• Explaining they will have their ears checked and play listening games
• Practising wearing headphones at home
• Reassuring them that the test is gentle and not painful

Our team is experienced in working with children and will ensure the appointment is relaxed and supportive.

Most hearing issues in children are temporary and often related to middle ear fluid or glue ear.

If a hearing concern is identified, we may:

• Recommend monitoring over time
• Arrange a follow-up hearing test
• Refer to your GP or an ENT specialist if needed

In rare cases where a permanent hearing loss is identified, we will ensure your child is referred for appropriate ongoing support as early as possible.

Early intervention is important to support speech, learning, and classroom development.

No referral is needed. You can book a children’s hearing test directly with us at any time if you have concerns.

Undiagnosed hearing loss can affect:

• Speech and language development
• Learning and school performance
• Social interaction and confidence

Early hearing checks help ensure children receive the support they need as early as possible.

If you are concerned about your child’s hearing, our team is here to help.

• Book a hearing test
• Contact our clinic
• Ear wax removal