What is Hearing Screening?

Hearing screening is a service where your child is examined and tested for hearing problems at school.

This is a simple, safe, non-invasive test which is fast and reliable in detecting hearing loss.

The testing is performed by a trained audiologist who will carry out a measurement of your child’s hearing for each ear using an audiometer, headphones and software on a computer.

What are the possible results?

Your child will get either

1. A pass to indicate their hearing is normal and that no further testing is required at this time.
2. A refer which indicates their hearing testing has detected hearing loss in one or both ears.

What are the common reasons for failing the hearing test?

Glue ear is a condition where fluid builds up in the middle ear which can cause temporary hearing loss. It usually clears up within 3 months but up to 30% of children with glue ear can have longer term hearing issues.

Persistent glue ear can be treated with grommets – a tiny tube inserted into the ear which drains the fluid away.

If your child fails the hearing test, your child will be fast tracked for a referral to a hearing specialist who will perform further detailed testing. This can be done via your child’s GP through the NHS or straight to a private children’s hearing clinic.

There are other rare causes of hearing loss in children such as a sensory nerve problem and the School Health Check service is designed to pick these up and refer on to a paediatric audiologist for specialist investigation.

How accurate is the test?

Hearing screening in schools is accurate. Over 89% of children who pass the test are true passes. Studies have shown that 5 to 6% of children may pass the test but actually have a problem (false passes) which is usually mild.

Because no screening programme in medicine is 100% accurate, we always recommend that children seek further evaluation if you or the school are still concerned about your child’s hearing.

We recommend that parents continue to get their child’s hearing checked up until the age of 11, either at school using School Health Check or via their GP.