In the first year of life, hearing disorders often go undiagnosed. That’s because infants and young children are very adept at compensating for their hearing deficiencies. Babies respond to movement, sight, touch, smell, and certainly love and tenderness. These reactions can be mistaken for hearing. In children who have only slight impairments, it is very unlikely they can be properly diagnosed until they are closer to school age.
Still, there are reactions you can specifically observe as your baby grows to reassure yourself that her hearing is on track with normal children her age. Ask yourself the following questions:
Age 0 – 3 months
Does my baby wake to loud noises? Does he coo at me when he hears my voice? Does he smile or laugh at pleasant sounds?
3 – 6 months
If I speak quietly to her, does my baby turn her head to find my voice? Does she try to imitate language, such as “ba-ba” and “uh-oh?” Does she seem to be pleased when activating musical toys (without lights)?
6 – 10 months
Does my child turn around when I call to him? Does he bounce or wave his hands to music? Does he look up when the telephone rings or when the dog barks? Does he seem to understand what words like “no” and “bye bye” mean, when I say the words without gestures?
10 – 15 months
Does my child clearly respond to remote noises, like dogs barking or birds chirping from a distance? Does she look up when a plane flies overhead? Does she attempt to imitate a large number of sounds and words? Does she babble in response to voices, making “baby conversation?” If I say phrases like, “Where is the ball?” does she turn her head to find it?
15 – 18 months
If I call my child’s name from another room, does he come out looking for me? Can he follow simple instructions I give without gestures? Is he using recognizable words for requests, like “drink” or “cookie?” Does he dance to music and attempt to sing familiar songs? Can he identify the sounds of animals, like “woof woof” for dog, and “moo” for a cow?
I am worried about my child’s ability to hear!
If you are concerned about the answers to these questions, discuss the matter with your child’s pediatrician. Request (or insist upon) a hearing evaluation for your child with a specialist. Some children with autistic-like behaviors may actually suffer from a hearing loss. And often autistic or developmentally delayed children may behave as though they are deaf or hard of hearing. It’s important to get to the bottom of the problem, if one exists.