For babies and young children, the ability to hear is important for understanding the world around them, and is critical for the development of their own speech.
Hearing problems may be temporary or permanent, and they can develop at any age. Hearing problems in young children may not always be obvious, and their ability to hear may appear to change depending on their environment.
We monitor children with permanent hearing loss and/or hearing aids regularly. At the age of 15 we will invite them to our Transition Clinic, which provides support and information for young people moving on to the Adult Audiology Service.
Our highly-experienced team is dedicated to delivering compassionate excellence to children across Oxfordshire and bordering counties.
We work closely within a multidisciplinary team including:
- Ear, Nose and Throat Doctors
- Paediatricians
- Newborn Hearing Screeners
- Speech and Language Therapists
- Teachers of Deaf Children and Young People
- Health Visitors.
Accessing our service
If you have any concerns about your child's hearing, please speak first to your child's GP, Health Visitor, Speech and Language Therapist or Paediatrician who can refer your child to us if necessary.
Hearing loss can be harder to spot in babies. There is a checklist at the link below to help you notice the signs.
Newborn hearing screening: making and reacting to sounds checklists - gov.uk
Children's Audiology appointments are currently all offered at the John Radcliffe Hospital, in the Audiology Department.
Contact us - Children's Service
