Kids hearing tests
Hearing tests for kids 12 and up
A comprehensive hearing test for children and teens from age 12, with an expert, certified hearing instrument specialist and the results explained to you and your child on the spot.
Children and teens from age 12
A parent or guardian comes along
Results explained the same visit
Custom earplugs from age 5
When to book
Signs your child may need a hearing test
Hearing changes in children and teens are easy to miss, because they adapt and rarely say anything. A test is worth booking if your child:
- Turns the television or music up louder than everyone else
- Often says "what?" or asks you to repeat yourself
- Has trouble following the teacher, or a teacher has raised a concern
- Seems to ignore you when you speak from another room
- Listens to music through earbuds for hours at a time
- Has had repeated ear infections or ear tube surgery
- Hears ringing or buzzing in their ears
A school or sports program may also ask for a hearing test. We can test to the requirements and give you the results.
The visit
What happens during a children’s hearing test
A conversation
We talk with you and your child about their hearing, school, any ear infections or surgery, and the situations where they struggle. A parent or guardian stays for the appointment.
A look in their ears
We check the ear canals and eardrums. Ear wax is a common reason for muffled hearing, and we can remove it in the same visit as a separate service with its own fee.
A middle ear test
A soft probe rests at the entrance of the ear canal for a few seconds and measures how the eardrum moves, which shows whether there is fluid or a blockage in the middle ear.
The hearing test itself
Your child wears earphones in a sound-treated booth and presses a button each time they hear a tone. Each ear is tested separately, and we also test how well they understand speech.
The results, explained
We go through the audiogram with you and your child in plain language and give you a copy. If their hearing is fine, we say so. If there is a loss, we explain what it means and the options. If anything needs a physician, we tell you and fax the results to your family doctor.
Ready when you are
A parent or guardian books and comes along, and the results are explained to you both on the day.
Book online
Cost
How much is a kids hearing test?
A hearing test for ages 12 to 17 is $155. The appointment takes about an hour, including the conversation and going through the results. Some extended health plans reimburse hearing tests, so check your plan or ask us for a receipt.
If there is a loss
Hearing aids for teens
If the test shows a hearing loss that hearing aids would help, we fit hearing aids for teens 12 and up, from the same six brands we carry for adults, with small, discreet and rechargeable options. We take time to show your teen how to use and look after them, and we see them again to fine-tune the fit.
Earplugs
Custom earplugs for children age 5 and up
We make custom earplugs for children starting at 5 years of age: swim plugs for children who are prone to swimmer's ear or have had ear tube surgery, noise plugs for concerts, hockey games and fireworks, and music plugs for children who play in a band or orchestra. Custom earplugs
Younger children
Hearing tests for children under 12
We test children from age 12. For younger children, ask us and we can recommend pediatric audiology services in the area. Your family doctor can also refer you.
Good to know
Questions about children’s hearing tests
At what age can my child have a hearing test at Hear & Co?
From age 12. For younger children, ask us and we can recommend pediatric audiology services.
How much is a hearing test for a child?
A hearing test for ages 12 to 17 is $155.
Do I need to come with my child?
Yes. A parent or guardian books the appointment and comes along for anyone under 18.
How long does a child’s hearing test take?
About an hour, including the conversation and going through the results together.
Can my child get custom earplugs?
Yes, from age 5 and up. Swim plugs are the most common choice for children, especially after ear tube surgery. We also make noise, sleep and music plugs for children too.
Book
Book your child's hearing test online
Book online, call 289-246-8005 or email info@hearco.ca.