Hearing
Routine hearing tests are offered to newborn babies and children to identify any problems early on in their development. Children will also have a hearing test in school between the ages of 4 –5 years old.
Although serious hearing problems during childhood are rare, early testing ensures that any problems are picked up and managed as early as possible.
Your child’s hearing can also be checked at any other time if you have any concerns. Speak to a GP or health visitor if you’re worried about your child’s hearing.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-tests-children/
Vision
Although serious vision problems during childhood are rare, routine eye checks are offered to newborn babies (visual health check of the eyes by a doctor) and young children to identify any problems early on. Children have vision screening in school between the ages of 4 –5 years old and will be referred for a more specialist test if they fail or can’t manage the test.
Birth to 2 years is the most important time for developing vision with further development continuing into the primary school years. If children have a significant refractive error (should be wearing glasses) and it hasn’t been identified and treated, this can impact their vision development (amblyopia) and impact them in other areas such as social communication.
Children can have an eyesight test at any age. They do not need to be able to read, or even speak. An eyesight test is particularly important if there’s a history of childhood eye problems, such as squint or lazy eye, in your family. Children who can’t manage an optician/ optometrist check can be referred to the hospital where they can see an orthoptist have access to a wider variety of tests.
Speak to a GP, optician/optometrist or health visitor if you’re worried about your child’s vision.