Hearing Screening at SSAH
both Adults & Children
At Sunshine Speech & Allied Health in Ballina, we now offer hearing screenings for children and adults as part of our commitment to supporting communication, learning and overall development.
Why Hearing Matters for Communication
Hearing plays a vital role in speech and language development, listening, attention and social connection. Even mild or temporary hearing difficulties can make it harder for children to hear speech sounds clearly, follow instructions, participate in conversations, and engage confidently in learning environments such as preschool or school.
Our hearing screening service in Ballina provides a quick, child-friendly way to check how well a person is hearing and processing sound. Early screening can help identify potential listening difficulties that may be contributing to challenges with speech development, communication, behaviour, or learning.
At Sunshine Speech & Allied Health, our goal is to support the whole communication journey. By identifying potential hearing concerns early, we can help families access the right supports, strategies and referrals to ensure clear communication, confidence and optimal development for every child.
Signs Your Child Might Need a Hearing Check
Saying “what?” frequently
Difficulty following instructions
Speech delay
Appearing inattentive
Turning one ear to listen
Struggling in noisy environments
What happens During a Hearing Screening?
Our hearing screenings use Sound Scouts - an engaging, game-based listening assessment designed for children. The screening checks how well the brain processes sound in both quiet and noisy environments.
How Hearing & Speech Development Are Connected?
Hearing plays a critical role in speech and language development. Even mild or temporary hearing changes can affect how children learn sounds, follow instructions and participate in conversation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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A hearing screening is a quick check to see if a child may have hearing difficulties. It helps detect potential issues early, before they affect speech, language, learning, or social skills.
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We use Sound Scouts, a clinically validated app that combines a fun, game-like experience with reliable hearing testing. Children play the game while the app screens for different types of hearing difficulties
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The gull appointment is scheduled for one hour; however the screener itself is quite face (approx. 10-15 minutes). This supports our clinicians to build rapport and ensure a comfortable, safe experience for each client.
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We can screen anyone from 4+ years and above, including preschoolers and school-aged children, but also effectively used for adults.
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Yes! We will provide a report with clear results the clinician will explain during your appointment.
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If any hearing issues are identified, we’ll provide guidance & support on all required next steps,