How to Protect your Child’s Hearing

Your child's delicate ears need to be protected so they can develop, socialise and learn how to communicate as they grow up.

Here are a few simple ways you can protect your child's hearing:

• Never deliberately expose your baby or young child to very loud noise.
• Be on the look out for ear infections. Babies and young children are more susceptible to middle ear infections than adults. Untreated ear infections can affect hearing. Babies often cry and pull at their ears when they have an ear infection and older children may complain of a sore ear. If you suspect your child has an ear infection see your family doctor.
• Provide ear protection if you go to music concerts, motor races or other loud events.
• Watch the volume on your TV, radio and stereo.
• If they have an iPod or MP3 player explain that if they can't hear others talking while music is playing, the volume is too loud.
• Keep foreign objects out of their ears.
• Don't remove wax from their ears with fingers, cotton wool or cotton swabs.
• Have your child's hearing tested regularly.

What if I think my child has hearing loss?

Don't ignore it. Hearing loss can happen at birth, gradually - or overnight. We don't always know why hearing loss occurs, but we do know that your child has a better chance of a good outcome if you act quickly.