This content has been prepared in compliance with relevant laws including the Medical Service Act.
If your child frequently turns up the TV volume or repeatedly fails to respond when called, it is recommended to undergo a precision hearing test at a professional facility regardless of school hearing screening results. School health screenings use only a single frequency (1,000Hz) at 40dB standard, which can miss noise-induced hearing loss or mild high-frequency hearing loss. Mild hearing loss (26–40dB) may not show obvious symptoms but can affect your child's language and concentration development. If there is a hearing specialist center near Dongtan and Yongin equipped with university hospital-grade equipment, it is much safer for your peace of mind and your child's development to confirm this early.
If you suspect your child has hearing loss in Dongtan or Yongin, here's what you need to know first
According to materials from the Disease Control and Prevention Agency National Health Information Portal, mild hearing loss (26–40dB) can affect language development and overall cognitive functions such as attention span if it persists during childhood. The problem is that hearing loss at this level is rarely apparent in daily life.
If your child shows any of the following behaviors, it is recommended to undergo a precision test at a professional facility regardless of school hearing screening results.
▪ Sets TV or YouTube volume much louder than other family members
▪ Frequently does not respond when called or asks "What?" and repeats the question
▪ Has particular difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments (restaurants, playgrounds)
▪ Shows reduced concentration during class or frequently misses what the teacher says
Pediatric Hearing Loss—Here's the Key Point
Q. Can a child have hearing loss even if they speak well?
Yes, it is possible. Mild hearing loss is not easily noticeable in everyday conversation. Especially with high-frequency hearing loss, only part of speech sounds are affected, so children often cannot express discomfort themselves. "Speaking well" does not mean the same thing as "hearing well."
Why Should Your Child's Hearing Be Checked Quickly and How Is It Tested?
Childhood is a critical period when language and cognition develop most rapidly. If sound information is not properly conveyed during this time, it creates limitations no matter how much your child wants to listen intently in class.
The Disease Control and Prevention Agency National Health Information Portal explicitly states that even weak mild hearing loss can affect cognitive development such as language and attention span if it persists in children. Additionally, a Seoul National University Hospital study cited by the Korea Herald reports that mild noise-induced hearing loss that is difficult to detect through school health screening tests alone accounts for 16–18% of all students.
So how should it be tested? A professional hearing center proceeds in the following order.
▪ Step 1 — Interview and lifestyle pattern confirmation: Identifies suspected symptoms of hearing abnormalities in the child, earphone and noise exposure environments, etc.
▪ Step 2 — Pure tone audiometry (500–8,000Hz multi-frequency): Instead of a single frequency, tests a wide range to identify whether mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss is present and which frequency has problems. Based on pure tone audiometry standards, 25dB or below is normal, 26–40dB is mild, and 41–55dB is moderate hearing loss.
▪ Step 3 — Speech audiometry: Additionally evaluates how accurately the child recognizes speech sounds. This helps understand listening ability in the child's actual learning and living environments.
▪ Step 4 — Ear canal examination: Checks that there are no abnormalities in the outer and middle ear structures.
▪ Step 5 — Results consultation and rehabilitation guidance: Based on whether hearing loss is present and its degree, provides guidance on the next steps such as follow-up observation, hearing aid fitting consultation, or referral to ENT specialist.
The Bundang Seoul National University Hospital Auditory Rehabilitation Center explains that the earlier hearing loss is diagnosed, the higher the rehabilitation effect is proven to be. Even if test results come back as "normal," if the numbers are borderline, regular follow-up tests are the most practical way to protect your child's development.
Why You Can Receive Your Child's Hearing Test and Hearing Aid Consultation at hanmihearing
hanmihearing, led by professional audiologists with a master's degree or higher in audiology and 40 years of tradition in expertise, accurately measures children's hearing with university hospital-grade double soundproof booths and helps families find comfortable hearing aids through comparative experiences with 6 major brands.
The table below summarizes what makes children's hearing tests and hearing aid consultation different.
| Confirmation Item | General Screening Test | hanmihearing Precision Test |
|---|---|---|
| Test Frequency Range | Single (1,000Hz) | Full 500–8,000Hz multi-frequency |
| Test Environment | General classroom/health office | University hospital-grade double soundproof booth |
| Judgment Standard | 40dB pass/fail | Subdivision judgment of mild/moderate/severe |
| Speech Audiometry | Not conducted | Conducted in parallel |
| Hearing Aid Comparative Experience | Not applicable | Direct experience with 6 major world brands |
| Follow-up Care | None | Nationwide branch network + lifelong free home care |
| Professional Personnel | School nurse | Professional audiologists with master's degree or higher in audiology |
If hearing aids are needed, rather than simply recommending one brand, we comprehensively consider the child's degree of hearing loss, ear canal structure, and living environment (school, noise exposure, etc.) and work through a process of direct fitting and comparative experience with 6 major brands verified in the global market to select the most comfortable product. Located in Yongin, Cheoin-gu for convenient access from Dongtan, and with a nationwide branch network, you can continue to receive follow-up care.
My Child Passed the School Hearing Test—Will They Be Okay?
To answer directly, passing a school hearing test does not guarantee "no abnormalities."
According to recommendations from the Korean Otologic Society cited by the Medical Times, screening for childhood hearing loss should test 3 or more frequencies and classify results as "precision test required" when hearing loss is 20–25dB. However, school health screenings apply only a single 1,000Hz frequency at a 40dB standard, creating a large blind spot where high-frequency hearing loss or mild hearing loss (26–40dB) goes undetected.
If any of the following items apply, it is recommended to undergo a precision test at a professional facility.
▪ The school hearing test showed passing results, but the child sets TV and video volume louder than other family members
▪ The child hears well in quiet places but frequently fails to understand speech in noisy environments like restaurants or playgrounds
▪ The child asks "What?" and repeats questions more frequently than peers
▪ The child frequently misses class content or reacts slowly when the teacher calls from behind
▪ The child uses earphones/headsets for long periods and sets volume loudly
The Disease Control and Prevention Agency recommends that even mild hearing loss in childhood can negatively affect language development, and regular testing should check for progression. Even if mild hearing loss is confirmed, hearing aids are not immediately necessary. Rather, regular follow-up testing to monitor changes in condition is itself an important first step in protecting childhood development.
Residents near Dongtan in Hwaseong, and Cheoin-gu, Giheung, and Suji in Yongin can also conveniently visit the hanmihearing Yongin Cheoin-gu Center. If you are concerned about distance, you can receive guidance to the nearest center through our nationwide branch network, so please inquire first.
Your Child's Listening Ability Is Their Learning Ability
At hanmihearing, which has carried on 40 years of hearing care expertise, start by carefully checking your child's hearing. At our Yongin Cheoin-gu Center, conveniently located from Dongtan, you can receive university hospital-level precision testing and personalized hearing aid consultation all in one visit.
Seoul National University Hospital Health Information explains that early detection of pediatric hearing loss and appropriate rehabilitation can lead to development close to normal. Conversely, delayed detection means the developmental gap your child needs to catch up continues to widen.
Even when hearing aids are necessary, effects do not appear immediately upon fitting. According to clinical data, hearing aids are known to show effects only after consistent use for at least 3 months or longer and going through an adaptation period. Therefore, continuous consultation with a professional audiologist and follow-up care are just as important as the initial selection.
If, while reading this article, you thought "my child might fall into this category," that instinct is correct. Begin to protect your child's listening ability by taking the first step right now.
The Most Common Questions Parents in Dongtan and Yongin Ask About Their Child's Hearing
Q1. The school hearing test said my child's hearing is normal, but do I need a precision test again?
School health screenings use only a single 1,000Hz frequency at a 40dB standard, so high-frequency regions or mild hearing loss (26–40dB) may actually have abnormalities even if given a "normal" judgment. The Korean Otologic Society recommends testing 3 or more frequencies and judging based on a 20–25dB standard. If your child frequently turns up TV volume or asks "what?" frequently, it is safer to double-check.
Q2. Can elementary school children wear hearing aids? Are there hearing aids specifically designed for children?
Elementary school children may have hearing aid use recommended depending on the degree and type of hearing loss. For children, hearing aids must be selected considering ear canal structure, hearing loss type, and school life environment. The process of directly comparing and experiencing 6 major world brands to find a product that fits comfortably in your child's ears is important, and regular fitting adjustments and follow-up care must continue after fitting.
Q3. Are there programs in Yongin or Dongtan that provide support for pediatric hearing loss testing or hearing aid costs?
The Yongin Special Metropolitan City Health Center operates a hearing aid support program for children under 12 years of age regardless of income level. For Dongtan residents in Hwaseong, also check for similar support programs at the Hwaseong City Health Center. Since precision hearing test results are needed before applying for support, it is more efficient to first proceed with testing and consultation and then contact the relevant agency.
⚠️ This content complies with Article 56 of the Medical Service Act, and results may vary depending on individual circumstances.