Most newborn babies in the United States are screened for hearing loss before they go home from the hospital.

This is an important step in identifying children with hearing loss, but it is only the first step.  Around  3 out of every 1,000 newborns have hearing loss.  Every parent needs to be aware of their baby’s development and the signs that hearing loss may have become an issue for their child.  Whenever there are concerns about a child’s speech, hearing needs to be checked.  Your child’s doctor can refer you to a pediatric audiologist or speech therapist to help.

Each child develops at an individual rate, but there are certain skills that most children will have mastered by the time they reach a certain age.  These are sometimes referred to as “milestones.”  Being aware of the hearing and speech milestones helps a parent recognize that their child may need some help in this area of development.

Birth – 3 months

•  Startles to loud sounds
•  Seems to recognize your voice
•  Quiets or smiles when spoken to

Looking forward:

4 – 6 months

•  Babbles with many different sounds
•  Moves eyes in direction of sounds
•  Notices toys that make sounds
•  Vocalizes excitement and displeasure

7 months – 1 year

• Listens when spoken to
• Imitates different speech sounds
• Enjoys games like peek-a-boo

No one knows your baby better than you.  If you ever have any concerns about your baby’s hearing development, talk to your medical provider.

Next - Oral language development and your newborn

By Kathleen Watts - Kathleen is the Program Manager for Early Hearing Detection and Intervention, NC

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