Why Hearing Health Matters for Speech and Language Development
The start of a new school year is an exciting time for children and parents alike, especially after a long holiday! New stationery, fresh uniforms, getting back into the swing of the Monday to Friday school routine, and a sense of possibility fill the air. While shopping lists usually include notebooks, backpacks, and shoes, there is one essential item that is often overlooked: your child’s hearing health.
Hearing plays a vital role in how children learn, communicate, and connect with others. Undetected hearing difficulties can affect speech and language development, academic performance, and even confidence in the classroom. We’ve developed this back-to-school checklist to help prepare your child for success, with a special focus on why looking at your child’s hearing health should be part of every child’s school-readiness plan.
A Back-to-School Checklist for Parents
1. Stationery and School Supplies
Make sure your child has the basic tools they need to learn:
- Exercise books and textbooks
- Pens, pencils, erasers, and rulers
- A school bag that is comfortable and supportive
Having the right supplies helps children feel prepared and confident from day one.
2. Vision and Hearing Checks
Many parents remember eye tests but forget hearing checks. Yet children spend most of their school day listening to teachers, classmates, and instructions.
Why hearing checks matter:
- Children learn language by hearing sounds clearly and consistently
- Even mild hearing difficulties can affect how words and sounds are understood
- Hearing challenges are not always obvious and may be mistaken for inattention or behavioral issues
A hearing screening before school starts can identify problems early, when support can make the biggest difference.
3. Speech and Language Development Check
Clear hearing supports clear speech. If a child struggles to hear certain sounds, they may:
- Mispronounce words
- Have a limited vocabulary
- Struggle to follow instructions
- Fall behind in reading and spelling
If you notice that your child is not speaking as clearly as expected for their age, a hearing test is an important first step.
4. Classroom Readiness Skills
Children with good hearing are better able to:
- Follow verbal instructions
- Participate in discussions
- Attend to and concentrate on tasks
- Learn phonics and reading skills
- Engage socially with peers
When hearing difficulties go unnoticed, children may seem distracted, shy, or frustrated, even though they are trying their best.
5. Health and Wellness Check
A general health check can support overall learning readiness. This includes:
- Up-to-date immunizations
- Sleep routines
- Healthy eating habits
Hearing health fits into this wellness picture and is as important as physical health.
Why Hearing Is Key to Speech and Language Development
From birth, children learn by listening. Hearing helps them recognize sounds, learn words, and understand how language works. At school age, this becomes even more important as learning relies heavily on spoken instruction.
If a child cannot hear clearly:
- They may miss parts of words or sentences
- They may misunderstand what is being said
- They may struggle with reading and writing, which are closely linked to sound awareness
Even temporary hearing issues, such as frequent ear infections or fluid in the ears, can affect learning if left untreated.
Signs Your Child May Need a Hearing Test
Not all hearing difficulties are obvious. Look out for these signs:
- Asking for repetition often
- Turning the TV or tablet volume up high
- Difficulty following instructions
- Speech that is unclear for their age
- Struggling with reading or spelling
- Appearing inattentive or tired in class
If you notice any of these, then we recommend a hearing test.
Set Your Child Up for Success This School Year
Back-to-school preparation is about more than supplies; it’s about giving your child the best possible foundation to learn, communicate, and thrive. Including a hearing test on your checklist can only support your child’s academic and social development.
At NB Hearing and Balance, we are passionate about helping children hear clearly and reach their full potential. Our experienced audiologists provide gentle, age-appropriate hearing tests and school screenings designed to support speech, language, and learning success. Contact us if you have any concerns or would like to schedule a hearing test at a branch near you.
- Back-to-School Hearing Health Checklist for Children - January 5, 2026
- Supporting Balance Health Across the Lifespan: Why It Matters - November 3, 2025
- Tuning Into Sound: How Your Baby Hears You in the Womb - September 3, 2025
