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Pediatric Hearing Services

Gentle, child-friendly hearing care for infants, toddlers, and school-age children — with clear guidance for parents every step of the way.

Audiologist with a young patient during a hearing evaluation
Child-Focused Hearing Care

Early Hearing Care Makes a Lasting Difference

Hearing plays a central role in how children learn to speak, read, and connect with the world around them. When hearing loss goes undetected, it can quietly affect language development, school performance, and social confidence — often for years before anyone realizes what's happening.

The good news is that with early identification and the right support, children with hearing loss can thrive. We provide hearing assessments and hearing aid fittings tailored specifically for children, in a calm and welcoming environment designed to put young patients at ease.

We work closely with parents throughout the process, explaining what we find in plain language and making sure you feel confident and informed about the next steps — whether that's monitoring, fitting hearing aids, or a referral to a specialist.

Book a Pediatric Assessment
What to Watch For

Signs Your Child May Have a Hearing Problem

Children often can't tell you they're not hearing well — they just adapt. These are some of the common signs parents notice first.

Delayed Speech or Language

Not babbling by 12 months, not saying words by 15 months, or not combining words by 24 months can be an early indicator of hearing difficulty.

Doesn't Respond to Their Name

If your child consistently doesn't turn or respond when called — especially from another room or without visual cues — it's worth investigating.

Turns the TV Up Very Loud

Children who need the volume much higher than others in the house, or who sit very close to the TV or tablet, may be compensating for reduced hearing.

Asks "What?" Frequently

Needing instructions repeated often, asking people to speak up, or misunderstanding what was said are common signs — especially when it happens consistently.

Struggles in Noisy Environments

Children with hearing loss often have particular difficulty following conversation in noisy settings like classrooms, restaurants, or playgrounds.

Inattention or Behaviour Changes at School

Kids who are struggling to hear are often labelled as distracted or disruptive — when in fact they're simply missing what's being said. A hearing test is a quick and easy first step.

The Process

What to Expect at a Pediatric Hearing Appointment

We adapt our assessment approach to your child's age and comfort level — there's no one-size-fits-all test for kids.

1

Parent Intake & History

We start by talking with you about your concerns, your child's developmental history, and any relevant family history of hearing loss. Your observations matter — you know your child best.

2

Age-Appropriate Hearing Test

We use testing methods suited to your child's age: play audiometry for toddlers and young children, and standard audiometry for older kids. Testing is non-invasive and typically takes 30–45 minutes.

3

Clear Explanation of Results

We walk you through what the audiogram shows in plain language — what type of hearing loss (if any) is present, how significant it is, and what it means for your child day-to-day.

4

Fitting or Referral if Needed

If hearing aids are recommended, we'll discuss child-appropriate options and handle the fitting with care. If a medical referral is needed (e.g. for recurrent fluid or structural concerns), we'll coordinate that for you.

5

Ongoing Monitoring & Support

Children's hearing can change as they grow. We schedule follow-up assessments to track changes and adjust hearing aid programming as needed — keeping up with your child's development.

Common Questions

Pediatric Hearing FAQs

We can assess hearing in children of all ages, including infants. For very young children, we use objective tests that don't require the child to respond — they can even be asleep during the assessment. For toddlers and older children, we use play-based techniques that make the test feel more like a game than a medical appointment.
Yes, in some cases. Newborn screens check hearing at birth, but some types of hearing loss develop later in childhood — due to ear infections, genetics, illness, or other causes. If you're noticing signs of difficulty now, a full assessment is still a good idea regardless of an earlier pass.
Properly fitted hearing aids can significantly support speech and language development by giving the brain consistent access to sound during the critical early years. Children fitted with hearing aids early — and supported with therapy when needed — typically develop language skills much closer to their hearing peers.
Yes. Pediatric hearing aids are built to be durable, tamper-resistant, and easy to secure on small ears. They come in bright colours that many kids enjoy, and have features like volume and program locks so settings don't get accidentally changed. We carry child-specific models from the major brands we fit.
Coverage varies by plan. Many private insurance plans include hearing aid benefits for dependants. Some government programs in Alberta also provide assistance for children with diagnosed hearing loss. We'll help you explore every available option — see our Financing & Insurance page for more detail.

Book a Pediatric Hearing Assessment

If you have concerns about your child's hearing, the first step is a simple assessment. Call us to book — we'll make the appointment comfortable for your child and clear for you.

Call 587-416-5765 Book Online