Does my child have hearing loss?

Most babies have their hearing screened before leaving the hospital after birth. If your child did not pass the newborn hearing screening, it is very important to schedule a follow up test with an audiologist. Detecting hearing loss early is very important for developing speech and language. There are some behaviors that may give you an indication your child may have hearing loss.

Babies

• Your baby does not startle to loud sounds.
• At 3 months, your baby does not coo at times, calm, or make eye contact when spoken to.
• At 9 months, your child does not turn toward you when called from behind or make babbling sounds, such as "baba."
• At one year, your child does not babble or use a variety of consonant sounds.

Children

• At 18 months, your child does not use single words.
• At 2 years, your child does not repeat words or phrases.
• Your child uses gestures, pointing, and/or grunting to communicate.
• Your child has frequent ear infections.
• Your child has speech and language delays. Your child responds inconsistently to sounds.
• Your child asks for frequent repetition.
• Your child seems to be very “visual.” Your child’s speech is difficult to understand.

If you have concerns, don’t wait to have your child’s hearing tested!