When you’re taking the first step in your child’s speech pathology journey, one of the first things we ask is, “Has your child had a hearing test?” It can feel unexpected, after all, you’re seeking support for talking, not ears, but clear hearing is the foundation for clear speech and language. Starting with a simple paediatric hearing check removes guesswork and sets your child up for success from day one.
Hearing can change over time, especially with common childhood colds and frequent ear infections, so even if newborn screening was clear, it’s worth checking again. Read on to discover why hearing underpins speech and language (and how even mild changes can affect sound development), why newborn screening is just the beginning, and how our Support-and-See approach helps you get started with confidence.
Why Hearing Matters for Speech and Language
Speech sounds aren’t all the same to the ear. Each sound lives within its own frequency range. When a child’s hearing is clear and consistent, the brain gathers a complete “sound map” to copy. But even a mild, temporary change, often from middle-ear fluid during colds or infections, can blur parts of that map. High-frequency consonants like /s/, /f/ or word endings may be missed or misheard, so the brain doesn’t get reliable practice targets.
Over time, this patchy access to sound can look like slower vocabulary growth, unclear speech, or difficulty following fast classroom conversations. Children may seem inattentive or become frustrated simply because they’re working harder to decode what they hear. None of this reflects effort or ability. It reflects access to the auditory information and how the brain is processing this information.
That’s why a current paediatric hearing test is so valuable. It helps us distinguish a true speech-sound learning need from an issue with how consistently your child is hearing certain frequencies. With clear results, we can set accurate speech therapy goals, share practical strategies for home and school, and, most importantly, give your child the best chance to build confident, clear communication.
What Are the Next Steps?
All babies in Australia receive a newborn hearing screen that checks inner ear and nerve function. It’s an important first tick, but hearing can change over time. Common childhood colds, middle-ear fluid (glue ear), recurrent ear infections, wax build-up, or later-emerging conditions can blur certain frequencies. When that happens, children may miss quiet consonants or word endings, which can look like unclear speech, slower vocabulary growth, or “tuning out” in busy environments.
If you’re noticing speech-sound difficulties, frequent “What?” or inconsistent responding, a current paediatric hearing test is the best next step, even if newborn screening was clear.
In the Getting Started with Speech Pathology episode of our Growing Up with A Growing Understanding Podcast, Lauren and Emma share the same advice they give friends and family:
A Speech Pathologist’s Insight
One of the first things we ask families is, ‘Has your child had a hearing assessment?’ Even if newborn screening was clear, hearing can change with colds or middle-ear fluid. A current test tells us whether speech sounds are getting a clear path to the brain, so we can set accurate goals from day one.
This advice aligns with our Support-and-See approach: check hearing early, set accurate goals sooner, and coordinate care with your GP, audiologist, or ENT while we, your speech pathologist, build communication and language skills.
What Happens After the Hearing Check?
A hearing result is a roadmap for what comes next. As part of our approach to speech therapy services, we use the audiology findings to act early, tailor goals, and coordinate care so your child has the best chance to thrive.
1) We translate the results together
We’ll review the audiology report with you in plain language.
- Within normal limits? Great, we can confidently target specific speech sounds, language, and interaction goals without guessing.
- Fluctuating or reduced hearing? We’ll adjust the plan (and the listening environment) while your GP, audiologist, or ENT addresses ear health.
2) We build a tailored plan
Your child’s goals shape the plan; the hearing results fine-tune it. Expect:
- Clear targets (e.g. final sounds, listening-in-noise, following instructions).
- Right-sized intensity (how often therapy occurs, and brief home practice).
- Practical supports (visuals, cueing, and strategies to help sounds “stick”).
3) We help coordinate care
With your consent, we’ll share key information with your GP, audiologist/ENT, and educators so everyone is on the same page. This might include:
- Seating and acoustics at preschool/school (front-of-group, low-noise spots).
- Simple classroom cues and repetition to support listening and clarity.
- Timing therapy around medical care (e.g. after grommets, re-checks).
4) We keep communication flowing at home
Regardless of hearing status, a language-rich environment makes a difference:
- Talk through daily routines, read together, sing, and play face-to-face.
- Use clear models and short, natural practice of target words (a few minutes, often).
- If hearing is fluctuating, lean on visuals and gestures so messages still land.
5) We review and refine
Early intervention is a cycle: support now, review soon, adjust quickly. We’ll set check-in points (and, if needed, recommend follow-up hearing tests) so progress stays on track and goals grow with your child.
The outcome: a calm, coordinated start to therapy that removes guesswork, respects your child’s needs, and turns early information into early wins.
If you’re ready to get underway, our team can help organise a paediatric hearing assessment, review the results with you in plain language, and build a personalised plan using our Support-and-See approach. Reach out to A Growing Understanding to book a First Appointment, and tune in to our podcast for a friendly advice.
