All babies in Ontario are offered free hearing screening at birth. If you live in Toronto and you think your baby needs a hearing screen, contact
Surrey Place for information and booking.
A child’s hearing and ear health have a big impact on how they learn, communicate, and interact with others. Hearing is important for:
- Developing speech sounds and spoken language
- Following spoken directions
- Listening to music and stories
- Learning in school
Even mild hearing loss can cause delays in language development and difficulties in school. The only way to know if your child has a hearing loss is by having their hearing tested.
To learn how to protect your child’s hearing and ear health and to help your child develop hearing skills visit Surrey Place.
Developmental Milestones
Your child might not know if they are having trouble hearing. Developmental milestones can help you monitor how your child’s hearing is developing as they grow. Use this list of hearing developmental milestones from Surrey Place to help you decide if you need to talk to a health care professional about your child’s hearing.
Have Your Child's Hearing Tested
Newborn Hearing Screening
- In Ontario all babies are offered free hearing screening at birth before leaving the hospital or through a community screening clinic.
- Universal newborn hearing screening helps find hearing problems early and connect families to programs and resources, when needed.
- If you live in Toronto and you think your baby needs a hearing screen, contact Surrey Place for information and booking.
Hearing tests for children
Resources
- Infant Hearing Program – Learn about newborn hearing screening and what services and supports are available if your baby has hearing loss.
- Surrey Place – Information about the Toronto Infant Hearing Program and support for children with a permanent hearing loss.
- Silent Voice – Information about American Sign Language (ASL),
- If your child is attending school, contact your child’s school board for additional support.
