"This year my son had his ears tested as part of a routine screening at his College. After that screening and then a follow up with an audiologist, we learned that he has moderate to severe hearing loss in his left ear. This has sent our family reeling as we had no idea before this, he had passed every prior screening.
Thank you to The Foundation for Deaf and Hard of Hearing for putting this work in and supporting families."
Mother of a student at Glenfield College
"I am confident it was a worthwhile learning experience for our Year 9s and ideally leads to some changes in habits around their listening."
Simon McGillivray, Deputy Principal
Te Puke High School
"This is the second time we have been a part of this amazing programme, it is such a beneficial age to pick up if there are any issues with students' hearing."
Sally Jordan, Careers Advisor
Aurora College
Listen Up, New Zealand - Free Hearing Screening at School
Protecting young ears. Supporting their future.
The National Foundation for Deaf & Hard of Hearing invites your child to take part in Listen Up, New Zealand – a free hearing check programme offered in schools across the country.
Hearing loss is increasing among teenagers around the world, and New Zealand may be seeing the same trend. This programme helps spot early signs of hearing loss, so families can act quickly if needed.
We also ask students a few simple questions about how they listen to music and use headphones. This helps us understand the risks to young people’s hearing and what support they may need.
The information we gather also helps us talk to government about why regular hearing checks and education for teens should be part of school health programmes.
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Why the Year 9 Hearing Screening Matters
Small steps now can prevent lifelong impact
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent — but it’s also preventable. Early checks can help protect your child’s learning, communication, and future career choices.
By taking part, your child will benefit from:
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Early identification of any hearing concerns
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A free referral for full audiology testing if needed
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Contributing to important research that supports better hearing health for all young New Zealanders
What's involved in the Hearing Screening
A quick, free, and simple check - done at school
Here’s what your child can expect during the screening:
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A free hearing check using safe, non-invasive digital technology (HearX)
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Wearing headphones and listening to soft sounds between 25–30 decibels and frequencies from 500 to 6000 hertz
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Answering a short questionnaire about their hearing and how they use headphones or listen to music
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A quick check for earwax using a small light called an otoscope (if needed)
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A free referral for a full hearing test if any concerns are found
Read more about our Privacy Policy and Assent for Children.
