Dear Parents and Carers,

Recognising the Signs of Hearing Difficulties in Children

At St Giles’ C.E. Primary School, we are committed to supporting every child to reach their full potential. Good hearing plays a vital role in a child's speech, language development, learning and social interactions. Early identification of hearing difficulties can make a significant difference to a child's progress and wellbeing.

We have been asked by the Children's Audiology Team at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust to share some information about signs that may indicate a hearing difficulty.

Signs to look out for include:

Difficulty following verbal instructions

Frequently asking for repetition

Inattention or reduced listening skills

Speech and language concerns

Turning one ear towards the speaker

Delayed or unclear speech

Struggling in group discussions

Watching others before responding

If you notice any of these signs, it may be helpful to monitor and record your observations.

What should I do if I am concerned?

Speak to your GP, Health Visitor or School Nurse about a referral to Children's Audiology.

If your child is registered with a Walsall GP, you can contact Children's Audiology directly to discuss a referral.

Children's & Adolescent Audiology

Route 124, Manor Hospital

Telephone: 01922 656687

Opening Hours: 8:30am - 4:00pm, Monday to Friday

Email: childrens.audiology2@nhs.net

If you have concerns about your child's hearing or communication development, please do not hesitate to seek advice. Early support can have a positive impact on children's learning, confidence and overall development.