Common Questions From Parents And Teachers- How To Help Children Thrive
Generally, children with hearing difficulties cannot tell you “I can’t hear” or are not even aware that they are not hearing well. Instead, they may show it in subtle ways which can sometimes be easily misunderstood or go unnoticed. A child may seem distracted, inattentive, or even disobedient when the real problem is that they are missing important sounds, words or instructions. For parents and teachers, recognising the early signs of hearing difficulty can make an extraordinary difference in a child’s learning, communication, and confidence.
At NB Hearing and Balance, we see firsthand how early identification and the right support can transform a child’s school and home life.
“Is my child ignoring me, or are they not hearing me?”
One of the most common concerns we hear from parents and teachers is that a child does not respond when spoken to. This may look like ignoring instructions, failing to answer when their name is called, or needing repeated reminders.
In many cases, the child is not being difficult — they are not hearing clearly. Even a mild hearing loss can make speech sound muffled, especially in a noisy classroom or playground. Consonants like “s”, “t”, and “f” are often the first to be missed, which makes words harder to understand.
What Helps:
A professional hearing test can determine whether the child is hearing speech sounds accurately. If hearing loss is present, early management allows children to follow instructions, engage with lessons, and feel less frustrated.
“Why does my child struggle in class but seem fine at home?”
Classrooms are noisy environments. There are other children talking, chairs moving, fans running, and teachers speaking from a distance. Even children with normal hearing can struggle, but children with hearing difficulties are at a much greater disadvantage.
At home, where it is quieter and parents speak close to them, the child may appear to hear well. At school, they may miss large parts of what the teacher says.
What Helps:
A full hearing assessment can reveal whether a child has difficulty hearing in noise or processing speech. If so, classroom strategies, assistive devices, or seating adjustments can significantly improve learning.
“My child’s speech or reading seems delayed. Could hearing be the cause?”
Yes. Hearing plays a central role in speech development, reading, and spelling. Children learn how words sound before they learn how they are written. If they do not hear words clearly, they may struggle to pronounce them correctly, recognise sounds in reading, or spell accurately.
Sometimes children are labelled as having attention or learning difficulties when the real issue is that they are missing vital sound information.
What Helps:
A hearing test and, when needed, auditory processing assessments can identify whether sound clarity or sound processing is contributing to learning challenges. With the right support, many children show rapid improvement.
“Why does my child seem tired or frustrated at school?”
Listening with hearing difficulty is exhausting. Children must concentrate far harder to follow speech, especially in noise. This can lead to fatigue, frustration, headaches, or behavioural outbursts.
A child who seems withdrawn, irritable, or overwhelmed may be struggling to keep up with the sound demands of their environment.
What Helps:
When hearing challenges are identified and supported, children often become calmer, more confident, and more engaged both socially and academically.
How Parents and Teachers Can Support a Child with Hearing Challenges
Awareness. When adults recognise that behaviour, attention, and learning may be linked to hearing, children get the help they need much sooner.
Here are simple steps that make a big difference:
- Observe patterns: Does the child struggle more in noise? Do they often ask for repetition?
- Encourage testing: A professional hearing test is quick, painless, and highly informative.
- Communicate clearly: Face the child when speaking and use slow, clear, simple language.
- Reduce background noise: Where possible, lower competing sounds at home or in class.
- Work as a team: Parents, teachers, and audiologists together create the best outcomes.
Early Support Changes Everything
When hearing challenges are identified early, children do not fall behind. They gain access to sound, language, and communication in ways that support learning, friendships, and emotional well-being.
At NB Hearing and Balance, we offer school screenings, paediatric hearing tests, auditory processing assessments, and personalised support to help every child reach their full potential.
If you are unsure about a child’s hearing, do not wait. One simple test can open the door to lifelong success. Contact any of our offices if you are concerned about your child’s hearing. We are conveniently located in Durbanville, Sea Point, Hout Bay, Wynberg and Noordhoek.
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