What to Do After a Failed Hearing Screening
A Parent’s Guide in Halton Region
Hearing that your child has “failed” a hearing screening can be stressful and confusing. Many parents in Burlington and across Halton Region are left wondering what it really means — and what to do next.
The good news? A failed screening does not automatically mean your child has permanent hearing loss. It simply means a full hearing assessment is needed to better understand what’s going on.
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, we support families every step of the way with gentle, child-friendly care.
What Does a “Failed” Hearing Screening Mean?
School and pediatric hearing screenings are quick checks designed to flag possible concerns. They are not diagnostic tests.
A child may “fail” a screening due to:
Temporary fluid in the ears
Ear infections
Background noise during the test
Fatigue or distraction
Trouble understanding instructions
Wax buildup
Mild or fluctuating hearing changes
A failed screening simply means further testing is recommended.
Common Reasons Children Don’t Pass Screenings
Many children who fail a screening go on to have normal hearing at their full assessment. Others may have:
Temporary hearing changes from colds or ear infections
Middle ear fluid
Mild hearing loss
Listening or processing challenges
Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)
Only a comprehensive hearing test can provide clear answers.
What Happens During a Full Hearing Test?
At Empathy Hearing Clinic in Burlington, hearing tests are designed to feel calm, comfortable, and age-appropriate.
Your child’s assessment may include:
A gentle ear examination
Age-appropriate hearing testing
Middle ear function testing (tympanometry)
Speech understanding tasks
Parent feedback and discussion
We take time to explain everything in clear, simple language.
When Should Parents Consider APD Testing?
Some children pass hearing tests but still struggle to understand speech, especially in noisy environments like classrooms.
You may want to consider Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) testing if your child:
Frequently asks for repetition
Struggles to follow instructions
Has difficulty in noisy settings
Appears to hear but not understand
Is working hard but still falling behind
APD affects how the brain processes sound — not how the ears hear it. Early support can make a big difference.
How Empathy Hearing Clinic Supports Your Family
We believe hearing care should feel supportive, never rushed.
At Empathy Hearing Clinic, families receive:
One-on-one care with a licensed audiologist
Child-friendly testing
Clear explanations
Honest guidance
Referrals when needed
School support recommendations
As both an audiologist and a parent of children with hearing challenges, I understand how emotional this process can feel.
Why Early Follow-Up Matters
When hearing or listening challenges go unaddressed, children may experience:
Learning difficulties
Frustration or fatigue
Reduced confidence
Social challenges
Early testing provides clarity, reassurance, and a plan — whether treatment is needed or not.
Book a Pediatric Hearing Test in Halton Region
If your child did not pass a hearing screening, you don’t have to navigate the next steps alone.
Empathy Hearing Clinic – Burlington, Ontario
Serving families across Halton Region, including Oakville and Milton.
Contact us today to book a comprehensive hearing assessment.