At what age can a child have their hearing tested?

Timothy Hunsaker

Au.D., CCC-A

Desert Valley Audiology

Hearing can be tested at any age, including at birth. Newborn hearing screenings are standard practice in most hospitals, and more detailed diagnostic testing can be performed shortly after if concerns are identified. For infants and young children who cannot yet respond to traditional hearing tests, audiologists use specialized methods such as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing and Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE) testing, which do not require any active participation from the child. Early identification of hearing loss in children is important, as untreated hearing difficulties can affect speech and language development, social skills, and academic performance.