Hearing Tests

Learning about your child’s tests

Why are hearing tests done?

Hearing tests identify if there are concerns with your child’s ears or hearing.

There are different types of ear tests and hearing tests. Your audiologist (hearing specialist) may use one or more tests, depending on your child's age and the hearing concern.

Some children may not be comfortable with having their ears touched or with new environments like a sound booth. The audiologist will work with you to support your child and get as much information as possible during the appointment. Sometimes your child may need more than one appointment.

When is my child's hearing checked?

In Alberta, all infants have their hearing checked (screened) when they are born. At other times, a child may have a hearing test because you, a doctor, or a teacher have concerns about your child’s ears or hearing.

Hearing loss can occur at any time in a child’s life. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing, even if they had a normal hearing test in the past, it is important to ask for a hearing test.

How to prepare for the appointment

• Hearing testing can take up to 1 hour.
• You can prepare your child by telling them that the audiologist will touch their ears and they will get to listen to some sounds, wear headphones or earphones, and play fun games.
• If your child has sensory needs or other special needs, tell the audiologist so they can be prepared.
• You can bring comfort items for your child, like a stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy car. These items should be quiet and not have lights or sounds. These items can be used during parts of the hearing test if they are not distracting.
• You will be with your child during the entire appointment.

Learn more about what to expect at your child’s hearing test appointment (video).

How are the tests done?

Before starting any hearing or ear tests, the audiologist will ask questions about your child’s health and development. They will also ask what your concerns are about your child’s hearing. The audiologist will look in your child's ear canals to see the ear canal and the eardrum.

Your audiologist will determine what tests are best for your child. These may include ear tests and tests of hearing levels.

Testing your child's ears

Tympanometry

This test checks the health of the middle ear, including how the eardrum moves. A small, soft ear probe is placed into your child’s ear. Your child may feel a slight pressure sensation. This test is quick and is used with children of all ages.

Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing

This test checks to see how well a part of the inner ear (cochlea) is working.

For this test, a small, soft ear probe is placed in your child’s ear. It plays quiet sounds. A computer measures the ear's response (called the otoacoustic emission). This test is quick and is used for children of all ages. It requires your child to sit quietly.

Testing your child's hearing levels

To check your child’s hearing levels, you and your child will sit in a special room called a sound booth. Your audiologist will play sounds for your child through speakers, headphones, or earphones. Your audiologist may also use a device called a bone conduction headband that goes behind your child’s ear and delivers sound in a different way to the inner ear (cochlea).

Different ways to test a child’s hearing include:

Visual reinforcement audiometry (VRA)

This test is used to check the hearing of young children.

The audiologist will play a sound and look for your child to respond to the sound, like by turning their head or looking in a direction. Responses may be subtle and easy for you to miss, but your audiologist is trained in recognizing these responses. Each time your child responds to a sound, the audiologist will light up a toy or video screen to keep your child interested in listening to the sounds.

Watch a short demonstration of VRA (video) to learn more.

Play audiometry

This test is used to check the hearing of preschool and school-aged children. Every time your child hears a sound, they will be asked to do a simple play task, like place a peg in a pegboard. The audiologist will play many soft sounds at different pitches to determine how your child hears.

Watch a short demonstration of play audiometry (video) to learn more.

Standard pure tone audiometry

This is a hearing test used with older children. Your child will either raise their hand or push a button to show when they hear the sound that the audiologist is playing. The audiologist will play many soft sounds at different pitches to determine how your child hears.

Speech tests

In these tests, the audiologist will assess your child's ability to hear speech sounds or words.

What happens after the test?

After the testing is done, the audiologist will review the results with you, answer your questions, and give recommendations based on the test results.

Follow-up care may be a key part of your child’s testing recommendations. Be sure to make and go to all appointments.

To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_hearing_tests_child_inst.

For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.

Current as of: March 15, 2026

Author: Audiology, Allied Health Professions

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.