If you're noticing your little one isn't talking as much or as clearly as you'd expect, it's natural to wonder why. Speech delays can happen for lots of reasons, but one of the most simplest and most important things to check first is your child's learning.
Why? Because hearing is the foundation of his kids learn to speak.
Even mild hearing loss, the kind caused by something as simple as fluid in the ears, can make it harder for kids to pick up sounds, words, and language. And if they’re not hearing clearly, they’re not learning to talk clearly either.
Kids learn to speak by listening.
From the moment they're born, they're tuning into the sounds around them. The clearer they hear those sounds, the easier it is for them to imitate, practice and eventually talk.
That's why hearing is the very foundation of speech.
If a child isn't hearing well, even just some of the time, it can affect how they process language, how they speak and how the interact socially.
In fact, many kids referred to speech therapy end up having had undetected hearing issues that went unnoticed for months (or even longer).
Some of these are easily treated, but they can still cause delays if they’re not picked up early.
These signs don’t always mean there’s a problem, but they are a good reason to get a proper hearing check.
Checking hearing is one of the key foundations we encourage at Busy Bees. Our recommended order to work through when something feels off is:
Primitive reflexes – involuntary movements that help build early brain-body connections
Hearing - the gateway to language and connection
Vision – supporting coordination, focus and learning
Next steps – occupational therapy and/or speech therapy, once the above have been checked
Once primitive reflexes have been checked, hearing is your next key step. This process helps you understand your child’s needs better, so any further support is more targeted and effective.
You don’t need a referral and you don’t need to wait. If your gut is telling you something feels off, it’s okay to act on that.
Even if hearing turns out to be perfectly normal, you’ll have one big question crossed off your list and a clear path forward if speech support is needed
Even mild hearing loss - the kind caused by something as simple as fluid in the ears, can make it harder for kids to pick up sounds, words, and language. And if they’re not hearing clearly, they’re not learning to talk clearly either.
It’s such an easy thing to overlook, especially when kids seem fine in other ways. But hearing plays a much bigger role in speech than most people realise.
If you're concerned, a hearing test is a gentle and simple place to start.
You don’t always need a referral to have your child’s hearing checked, especially at private audiology clinics. However, getting a referral from your GP can be helpful as a first step, since it may identify issues like wax or fluid that can be treated before a hearing test, potentially saving time and additional appointments.
If you're local, here are some options:
Hearing Australia: (Liverpool, Hurstville and Parramatta)
Next Sense: (Liverpool and Macquarie Park)
Liverpool Hospital Audiology Clinic:( bulk-billed paediatric audiological assessments for children 4 years old and above, but requires a GP referral.
Ruling out hearing early means you can move forward with confidence, whether that’s jumping into speech therapy or simply giving your child a little more time.
When you notice speech delays or concerns, the first foundations to check are primitive reflexes and hearing. Both are quick, painless steps that help clarify what’s really going on so you’re not left wondering. Once those are ruled out, vision is the next important step before exploring occupational therapy or speech therapy.
If you want to learn more or need some guidance, just get in touch. I’m here to help.
Miss Tania 💛 🐝 🎶
