Hearing in Children
Your child has a right to hear every sound. Early diagnosis and the right device are the key to language development.
- ~2 Out of every 1,000 babies born in Turkey, this many are born with hearing loss
- 2,500 Number of newborns diagnosed each year
- 2004 The year all newborns began being screened
Babies who pass the newborn screening can still develop hearing loss in later years; keep watching your child.
Checklist
Warning signs by age
If even one of the following applies, come in for a free hearing test; checking takes only a few minutes.
1–3 years
School age
You can tick off above any of the items you notice in your child.
This isn't a diagnosis and shouldn't be read as one — testing is the only way to measure hearing. What you tick stays only on this screen and is never sent anywhere.
Diagnosis
Painless, harmless tests
Your baby's hearing can be assessed even without waking them: OAE for newborns, ABR/BERA during sleep for infants and young children, and behavioural audiometry for older children.
What's Different About Children's Devices
Devices made for children, moulds made for a growing ear
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) is preferred; as the ear grows, only the mould is renewed, the device stays
- Lockable battery door and volume control (against the risk of swallowing or wrong settings)
- Durable, sweat- and moisture-protected bodies, with colour options a child will embrace
- FM/DM system at school age: the teacher's voice goes straight to the child's device
- Check-ups: every 3 months in the first year, then every 6 months
We have our own ear-mould lab: we renew your child's mould without delay — no waiting weeks. See how we make the mould.
SGK Support
SGK support is much higher for children
SGK prioritises children for the sake of language development: the contribution for ages 0–4 is nearly double the adult amount. And support can be received for both ears at once between ages 0–18. These SGK amounts apply to holders of Turkish social security; if that doesn't apply to you, you pay directly. Updated: January 2026; call us for the exact amount.
| Age | Retired | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 years | 9,156.60 ₺ | 7,325.33 ₺ |
| 5–12 years | 8,139.26 ₺ | 6,511.40 ₺ |
| 13–18 years | 7,630.56 ₺ | 6,104.45 ₺ |
We handle the entire report and application process on your behalf. Details: SGK SupportHearing Aid Prices
For Families
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Passing the newborn screening doesn't mean hearing loss won't develop in later months. If your baby isn't responding to sound as expected, speech development is delayed, or there's a risk factor for hearing loss, get a paediatric audiology assessment without waiting.
Standard hearing tests aren't painful. Depending on the baby's age, we use methods that measure the ear's own response, the brainstem response, or behavioural reactions to sound. Babies may be naturally asleep for some tests. If a special test that may need sedation is planned, its necessity and risks are explained separately by a doctor.
Once suitable hearing loss is confirmed, a hearing aid can be fitted even for a baby a few months old. What matters isn't age but a reliable diagnosis and identifying the child's need. Early fitting and early support are very important for language and communication development.
It varies by the child's age and growth rate. Babies may need it renewed more often, older children less often. We should check it if it's loosening, the device whistles, sound transmission has dropped, or it's leaving marks or irritation on the skin. In our own lab, under normal conditions, we have it ready within two days at most.
This is something we see often. We first check whether the device is hurting, whether the mould fits correctly, and whether the volume is too high. Starting with short periods and building a daily routine, and choosing colours and retention accessories your child likes, can help. Small, positive steps work better than forcing it.
An FM or DM system with a teacher microphone can help here. It sends the teacher's voice straight to the child's device, reducing the effect of distance and classroom noise. It doesn't remove noise entirely; it works best together with the right settings, the teacher's support and good seating.