3yo keeps asking me to repeat myself - is this a stage or a hearing problem?

[Bubbinsmakesthree]

The last few weeks my 3.5yo has developed a habit of asking me to "say again?" when I am speaking to him - I sometimes have to repeat myself 5 times before he is satisfied.

My instinct is that this just a developmental stage - I think he is trying to understand and process everything I say. But perhaps he could actually be struggling with his hearing?

Anyone else experienced this? Would you chalk it up to being an annoying stage or want to get his hearing looked at?

His speech is good and I've never had any concerns about his hearing or comprehension until now.

It could be either to be honest. My DS kept saying ‘again?’ and was eventually diagnosed with glue ear and had grommets. But it could just be an annoying phase. My DD also ended up with grommets even though her speech / comprehension seemed absolutely fine. So I'd definitely say it’s worth getting his hearing tested.

Can he judge what direction your voice is coming from, if you call out to him from another room? This was the giveaway for DD.

I remember DS2 doing this at a similar kind of age. In his case my gut said it was a developmental thing and it was.