As families prepare for a new school year, parents often focus on school supplies, schedules and physical exams. However, one critical health check is often forgotten: a hearing test. Ensuring your child hears clearly is essential for learning, social development and classroom success. That’s why scheduling a hearing test with Southwoods Audiology should be part of your back-to-school routine.
Why Hearing Health Matters
Hearing is about more than listening—it’s the foundation for speech and language development. Even mild hearing loss can impact a child’s ability to understand lessons, follow directions and engage with teachers and classmates. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 3 out of every 1,000 babies in the United States are born with hearing loss. Without proper screening, these challenges can go undetected.
Signs Your Child May Need a Hearing Test
Hearing issues aren’t always obvious, and children may not realize they have a problem or may not be able to recognize or express they’re having trouble. As a parent or guardian, it’s important to watch for:
- Difficulty following directions
- Frequent requests to repeat things
- Turning the TV or devices up too loud
- Speech delays or unclear speech
- Struggling in school
If your child shows any of these signs, it’s time to schedule a hearing test.
How Often Should Hearing Be Checked?
Specialists recommend:
- Infancy: at birth, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months
- Before kindergarten
- School Years: every 2–3 years, or sooner if symptoms appear (such as frequent ear infections or speech delays)
The Academic Impact of Hearing Loss
Clear hearing is crucial for classroom learning. Children with untreated hearing loss may miss key parts of lessons, leading to frustration, poor grades and reduced confidence. Early detection makes a difference—helping your child thrive both in and out of the classroom. Make hearing health part of your child’s back-to-school checklist. Contact Southwoods Health today to schedule a hearing screening or evaluation with one of our Audiologists. Together, we can support your child’s growth, development and success.
