Babies & toddlers
8 months – 2 years
Visual reinforcement audiometry uses engaging visual rewards to help young children respond to sounds. Testing is adapted to your child's developmental stage and paced around their responses.
Children's hearing
Paediatric audiology
Specialist hearing assessments for children from 8 months onwards — delivered with expertise, patience and a child-centred approach.
Arrange an appointmentFor parents & carers
A calm and reassuring experience
If you have concerns about your child's hearing, an assessment can help you understand what they are hearing and whether any further support is needed.
We provide a calm, welcoming environment and adapt each appointment to your child's age, development and individual needs. Hearing assessments are non-invasive and designed to be as comfortable and engaging as possible.
We'll explain what we're doing throughout the appointment and give you plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
Assessment by age
The right test for every child
Children's hearing is assessed differently depending on their age and developmental stage. We select the most appropriate techniques for your child and adapt the assessment around their responses.
Pre-school children
2 – 4 years
Age-appropriate techniques, including visual reinforcement and play-based audiometry, are selected according to your child's development and ability to respond reliably.
Children & school-age
4 years and over
Play audiometry and standard pure-tone testing are adapted to each child's developmental level, providing a clear and child-friendly assessment of their hearing.
Specialist services
Specialist children's hearing care
Children's hearing can change as they grow, and difficulties are not always obvious. We provide age-appropriate hearing assessments for a wide range of concerns, from routine hearing checks to ongoing monitoring.
This includes assessment and monitoring of glue ear (otitis media with effusion), one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss in childhood.
We also work with children who may need a more flexible approach to testing, adapting the appointment and assessment techniques to the individual child wherever possible.
What to expect
Your child's appointment
Every appointment is shaped around your child. We'll take time to understand your concerns before selecting the most appropriate tests for their age and developmental stage.
01
Understand your concerns
We'll take time to discuss your concerns, your child's hearing history and anything you may have noticed at home, nursery or school.
02
Choose the right assessment
We'll select age-appropriate hearing tests based on your child's developmental stage and adapt the appointment around their individual needs.
03
Assess their hearing
Your child will take part in appropriate, non-invasive hearing tests delivered at their pace and designed to be as comfortable and engaging as possible.
04
Explain the results
We'll talk you through the results clearly, explain what they mean for your child's hearing and give you plenty of opportunity to ask questions.
05
Agree the next steps
Where appropriate, we'll discuss monitoring, further assessment or onward referral and explain what happens next.
Clinic availability
Where children's appointments are available
The hospital location for your child's assessment depends on their age and individual needs.
8 months to 4 years
Spire London East Hospital
Paediatric hearing assessments are available for children aged 8 months to 4 years.
4 years and over
Four hospital locations
Children's hearing assessments are available at Nuffield Health Brentwood Hospital, Nuffield Health The Holly Hospital, Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital and Spire Hartswood Hospital.
Complex needs
Spire London East Hospital
Hearing assessments are also available for children with complex needs.
We're here to help
Concerned about your child's hearing?
Whether you've noticed a change, received a referral or simply want reassurance, we're here to help you understand your child's hearing.
Arrange an appointment