Kids Hearing – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This page covers some of the most common questions Parents, Schools and Health Professionals ask about our service.

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1. Tell me about Kids Hearing? 

Kids Hearing is a paediatric audiology provider for children and teens aged 3 years and over. We offer both in-clinic diagnostic hearing assessments and school-based hearing screenings. We specialise in the early identification of hearing concerns, ensuring children receive the right support from the start. We are trusted by schools, parents, and healthcare professionals.

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2. What makes Kids Hearing different from other providers? 

Our expertise in children’s hearing comes from our exclusive focus on paediatric audiology — it's all we do. We provide hospital-grade hearing assessments in a private, child-friendly, and community-based setting.

Our standard testing goes beyond the basics, including:

• Pure tone or play audiometry with extended high frequency testing up to 12,500 Hz

• Advanced DPOAE testing (including extended frequencies to 12,500 Hz)

• Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing

• Otoscopy

• Speech testing

• A full case history to understand each child’s developmental, academic, medical, and communication background​

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These comprehensive services are not routinely offered elsewhere and help ensure we detect even subtle hearing issues early.

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Our clinical approach is shaped by years of experience at the Children’s Hospital at Westmead. We don’t just provide results — we explain them clearly, offer guidance, and support you with any needed referrals (e.g. to speech pathology, ENT, paediatrics, or auditory processing evaluation).

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3. Why does Kids Hearing only see children and teens aged 3+?

Children under 3 often require Visual Reinforcement Audiometry (VROA), a specialised test that needs specific equipment and set-up. This is best provided by centres like Sydney Children’s Hospital (Randwick), NextSense, Macquarie University, or The Children's Hospital at Westmead.

From age 3+, most children can complete the play-based or behavioural tasks needed for accurate screening and diagnostic assessment — and Kids Hearing is here for them.

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4. How long is a clinic appointment? What does it cost? Is there a Medicare rebate?

 

We believe in transparency:

• Initial diagnostic assessment: $189 (approx. $86 out of pocket)

• Follow-up assessment (if needed): $169 (approx. $66 out of pocket)

• Medicare rebate: Up to $103 may be claimable with a valid referral from a GP or Specialist. We’ll assist with this at payment.

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Appointments usually take up to 60 minutes and include:

• A detailed hearing assessment

• A written report with results

• A discussion of findings

• Support with any referrals if required​

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5. Why should my child have their hearing checked?

Hearing plays a vital role in academic learning, communication, and social development. Hearing issues are often invisible. Unlike adults, children may not say “I can’t hear.” Instead, they may seem distracted, struggle to follow instructions, have difficulty learning, or appear to have behavioural issues — when it may actually be a hearing issue.

Hearing (and vision) should be ruled out early in the evaluation of learning or developmental concerns. It’s a safe, simple check with potentially life-changing benefits.

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6. How often should children have their hearing tested?

Children should have their hearing tested annually — just like regular dental or vision checks. Hearing can change over time, and children don’t have the language skills to always recognise or report hearing issues.

The newborn hearing screen is essential, but it’s just the first check — not a lifelong guarantee. Ongoing testing helps ensure their hearing supports continued learning and development.

If your child was born overseas and may not have had a newborn screen, testing is especially important.

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7. What is the difference between a hearing screening in-school and hearing test in-clinic? Is the school screen reliable?

A school hearing screen is a reliable, efficient way to check if a child’s hearing falls within the normal range. It ensures their hearing is adequate for learning and identifies children who may need further diagnostic testing.

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A diagnostic hearing assessment is a comprehensive in-clinic test that measures how well a child hears different sounds and speech. It determines the type and degree of hearing loss and is considered the gold standard for diagnosis, management, and ongoing monitoring.

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*If a your child's school screen shows a concern, a full diagnostic test is always recommended.

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8. Is there a Medicare rebate for the school hearing screen?

No — school hearing screens are not diagnostic, so they are not eligible for Medicare rebates.
The fee is $45 + GST per child.

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9. Can I claim through private health insurance?

Possibly. Some extras policies include audiology. Please check directly with your health fund as coverage and limits vary.

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10. Can I book my child into a hearing screening at any school?

No — screenings are only available to enrolled students at schools participating in our program. However, you can always book a clinic appointment.

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If you’d like us to visit your child’s school, please ask them to contact us at hello@kidshearing.com.au — we work with schools across Sydney, and they may not be aware of this service.

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11. I’m a teacher and would like this service at my school. What if families can’t afford it?

Please reach out to us. We’re happy to tailor our services and discuss flexible options. No child should miss out due to cost.  Contact: hello@kidshearing.com.au or 0403 765 046

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12. I’m a teacher — how can I refer a student to one of your clinics?

Speak with the child’s parent or carer and encourage them to book an appointment through our website www.kidshearing.com.au or call 0403 765 046. They will need a referral from their GP or Doctor to our clinic to claim the Medicare rebate.

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If your school isn’t yet involved in our screening program, get in touch — we’d love to support your students. Email: hello@kidshearing.com.au

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13. I’m a parent and can’t afford the clinic fee. What can I do?

We are a mixed-billing service. Please call us on 0403 765 046 or email hello@kidshearing.com.au — we believe every child should have access to an audiology assessment and will work with you to ensure access, whether through adjusted fees or support options.

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14. I’m a GP or specialist — how do I refer a patient to your clinic?

Referrals can be sent to our Beecroft or Northern Beaches clinics.

• Write a referral letter to enable Medicare rebates.

• Email your referral to hello@kidshearing.com.au.

• Families can book online or call 0403 765 046 for assistance.​

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15. What if my child is sick on the day of testing?

Please call us to discuss 0403 765 046, we may recommend rescheduling.

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If you can’t find what you’re looking for, feel free to contact us — we're always happy to help.

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