Hearing is a vital part of a child’s development. Hearing loss can affect speech and language development, learning, and social skills. Early identification helps ensure the right support is in place.
Getting ready for your appointment
Some tests may involve wearing headphones (depending on your child’s age). If possible, try to help your child get used to wearing headphones before the appointment.
What happens at your appointment
We will ask about:
- Your child’s hearing, their medical history and any family history of hearing problems.
- Your child will be seen by one or two trained children’s audiology staff.
- Appointments usually last 30–60 minutes. Sometimes follow-up appointments are needed.
- All tests take place in a soundproof or sound-treated room.
- We aim to run on time, but occasional delays may occur.
Hearing tests
We adapt our tests to suit your child’s age and developmental level.
From around 8–10 months, we begin using play-based methods to encourage responses to sounds. It’s important that your child is awake for the test.
If possible, please attend without siblings, as the room needs to remain quiet.
We will also examine your child’s ears and may carry out additional tests if required.
If hearing loss is identified
If we detect any hearing loss, we will discuss the most appropriate support and management. This may include:
- monitoring,
- referring to another specialist, or
- fitting hearing aid(s).
If your child needs a hearing aid
We will talk you through:
- how hearing aids work
- what to expect as your child adjusts to sound
- any alternative options
Hearing aids are fitted according to your child’s individual needs. We may also refer your child to a Paediatrician or the Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) team for additional medical advice.
Further Information About Children’s Hearing Appointments
Newborn Hearing Testing Appointments
Newborn babies are offered a hearing screen in hospital or in clinic once they go home. Find out more about NHS England’s Newborn Hearing Screening. Newborn hearing screening – NHS
Following their hearing screen, some babies may then require further specialist testing and be referred to our Audiology service for more detailed tests such as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing. These tests can take up to 2 hours, and your baby will need to be asleep during the appointment.
Newborn hearing testing is strongly recommended so that the right support can begin early if needed.
Find out more about NHS England’s Newborn Hearing Screening. Newborn hearing screening – NHS
Hearing Assessment Appointments
These appointments take place in:
- the main Audiology Department, or
- the Child Development Centre, both located on the ground floor at Worthing Hospital.
We offer a range of tests following national and local guidelines. These may include:
- listening games
- pressing a button in response to sounds
- turning towards sounds
- objective tests that require minimal cooperation
Sometimes we require a second appointment. As always, we aim to run on time, but delays can occur.
If a hearing loss is identified, we will discuss the most suitable management, which may include monitoring, referral, or hearing aids.
Hearing Aid Appointments
The type of hearing aid suitable for your child depends on the type and degree of hearing loss.
We encourage parents and carers to be fully involved to help support communication.
Where to find us
We are located on the ground floor in the east wing of Worthing Hospital, and some clinics also run from the Child Development Centre.
