Hearing plays a critical role in how children learn to speak, read, and interact with the world around them. Even a mild hearing loss can affect a child's language development, academic performance, and social confidence. That is why early detection is so important. The sooner a hearing loss is identified, the sooner intervention can begin, and outcomes improve dramatically with timely support.
Newborn Hearing Screening in Ontario
In Ontario, most babies receive a hearing screening within the first few days of life through the Ontario Infant Hearing Program. This quick, painless test checks whether your newborn's ears are responding to sound. If the screening indicates a potential concern, a follow-up diagnostic assessment is arranged. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments, as a failed screening does not always mean permanent hearing loss, but it does warrant further investigation.
Signs of Hearing Loss in Babies and Toddlers
Watch for these signs in infants and young children:
- Not startling or reacting to loud sounds
- Not turning toward your voice by 6 months of age
- Not babbling or making varied sounds by 9 months
- Not responding to their name consistently by 12 months
- Delayed speech compared to other children the same age
- Frequently pulling or tugging at their ears
Research shows that children whose hearing loss is identified before 6 months of age and who receive early intervention develop language skills on par with their hearing peers. Delays in detection can lead to gaps in speech and literacy that are difficult to close later.
Signs of Hearing Loss in School-Age Children
Older children may show different signs, including:
- Frequently saying "what?" or asking you to repeat yourself
- Difficulty following instructions at school or at home
- Turning up the volume on devices higher than expected
- Falling behind in reading or language skills
- Complaints of ringing or buzzing in the ears
- Appearing inattentive or distracted, sometimes mistaken for a behavioural issue
When to Schedule a Hearing Test
Beyond the newborn screening, hearing tests should be part of routine health monitoring throughout childhood. Your child's hearing should be tested if you notice any of the signs listed above, if a teacher raises concerns about attention or learning, or if your child has a history of frequent ear infections. Even without obvious signs, periodic checks are a good idea, as some types of hearing loss develop gradually.
Recommended testing milestones include:
- At birth, through the Ontario Infant Hearing Program
- Before starting school, around age 4 to 5
- Any time a parent, teacher, or doctor has concerns
- After repeated ear infections or fluid in the ears
- Following any head injury or illness that could affect hearing
OHIP Coverage for Children's Hearing Tests
In Ontario, OHIP covers hearing tests for children under the age of 18. This means you can have your child's hearing assessed by an audiologist at no out-of-pocket cost. At Sense of Hearing, our clinics are equipped to test children of all ages using age-appropriate methods, from play audiometry for toddlers to standard audiometry for older kids.
If your child is diagnosed with hearing loss, the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) in Ontario can help cover the cost of hearing aids and FM systems used in the classroom. Your audiologist at Sense of Hearing can guide you through the application process.
Concerned about your child's hearing? Book a pediatric hearing assessment at Sense of Hearing. OHIP-covered tests are available at all of our Ontario locations.
Book an AppointmentWritten By
Sense of Hearing Team
Audiologists & Hearing Instrument Specialists
Sense of Hearing is an independently-owned network of hearing care clinics serving Ontario. Our articles are written and reviewed by our team of Audiologists and Hearing Instrument Specialists.